Page 17 - AAA Northampton County – AAA Now! – Spring 2019

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
AAA
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DON’T BE LEFT IN THE DARK BY AGED HEADLIGHTS
AAA finds deteriorated headlights produce only 20 percent of light as compared to new.
Cars on the road today are, on average, 11.6 years old. This means that drivers must be even more diligent with their car care to help extend the life
of the vehicle. While drivers may be in the habit
of checking their batteries and tires, it is equally important to routinely inspect the condition of the vehicle’s headlights. Due to the type of plastic used, these typically start degrading at three to five years depending on the amount of sunlight exposure.
Research by AAA has demonstrated that cloudy headlamps reduce the amount of light output by nearly 80 percent and, consequently, the safety of nighttime driving. The type of headlights like those evaluated in AAA’s study, provide adequate lighting when new, for speeds of only 39 mph (low beam) when driving on an unlit road at night. Any reduction in light output as a result of deterioration is a major safety concern.
“Walk through any parking lot and it is evident that deteriorated headlights are a problem for most vehicle owners,” said Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of Automotive Engineering and Industry Relations.
“U.S. headlights, even at 100 percent, don’t provide an adequate amount of light on dark roadways, so any reduction in performance will make driving at night even more dangerous.”
Halogen reflector headlights, found on a
majority of today’s vehicles, are typically made
of plastic with a protective coating to prevent scratching and sunlight damage. This coating, when exposed to prolonged periods of sunlight, begins to break down, causing the yellowing commonly observed on older headlights. But, luckily, for drivers there are many inexpensive and readily available options to improve light output for headlights that have become compromised.
Replacement of deteriorated headlights may increase light output between 83 and 100 percent and can cost anywhere from $130 to $430 depending on the type of part selected (original or aftermarket) and method of installation (professional versus DIY). Restoration methods, including those that can be purchased at a local automotive parts store, may improve light output
by 70 percent and cost anywhere from $20 to $190 depending on whether it is done professionally or by the driver themselves.
AAA suggests drivers check their headlight lenses for signs of aging and if the headlight appears to be yellowed or cloudy and the bulb is difficult to see,
it is time to have the lenses replaced or restored
as soon as possible. Replacement and restoration services are provided by most repair shops, including many AAA Approved Auto Repair facilities.
Attention Primary Basic Members: Primary Basic dues are increasing $2 effective April 1, 2019, raising them to $51.
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5% Insurance Premium Reduction with AAA’s Safe Driving for the Roadwise Driver Course
AAA Northampton County offers a 4-hour refresher course.
In order to qualify for this course, you must be 55 or older and have taken the 8-hour Roadwise Driver Course with AAA Northampton County within the past three years. AAA Northampton County also will be offering the 8-hour Roadwise Driver Course for those who have not taken the Mature Driver Course in the past three years.
The course is free for AAA Northampton County members, $10 for members of another AAA club and $30 for nonmembers. For more information, visit us at 3914 Hecktown Road, Easton, or call (610) 258-2371. Classes are held at
AAA Northampton County. Enrollment is limited.
4-HOUR REFRESHER COURSE
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
March 5 (Tuesday) March 20 (Wednesday) March 30 (Saturday) April 16 (Tuesday) May 1 (Wednesday)
CALL (610) 258-2371 OR SEND REGISTRATION TO:
AAA Northampton County Traffic Safety Dept.
3914 Hecktown Rd. Easton, PA 18045
Your cancelled check or receipt is your confirmation. You will only be notified if course is full, cancelled or rescheduled.
8-HOUR COURSE (over 2 days)
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
March 12 & 13 (Tuesday and Wednesday) April 6 & 13 (Saturdays)
April 9 & 10 (Tuesday and Wednesday) May 7 & 8 (Tuesday and Wednesday)
Please include me/us as participant(s) in the Mature Operators Course
Scheduled date: ________________________________________ Name: _______________________________________________ Address: ______________________________________________ Phone #: _____________________________________________ Membership #: _________________________________________ Email: _______________________________________________
3914 Hecktown Rd., Easton, PA • (610) 258-2371 • northampton.aaa.com
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SPRING 2019
Now!