Page 8 - AAA Northway – AAA Now! – Spring 2019

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES
Chris’s Car Care Corner
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 might be in the habit
of checking their batteries and tires, it is equally important to routinely inspect the condition of the vehicle’s headlights. Because of 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. Replacing deteriorated headlights might 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 vs. DIY). Restoration methods, including those that can
be purchased at a local automotive parts store,
might 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 AAA Northway’s Car Care Center in Halfmoon and many AAA Approved Repair Facilities. Drivers should consider personal budget and length of vehicle ownership when deciding which option is best. Regardless of the approach selected, it is important to make sure headlamps
are properly reaimed to maximize forward lighting performance and minimize glare to oncoming and preceding motorists.
Car Care Center
Auto Repair & Tire Center
STOP IN AND SEE US
WINTER
TIRE ROTATION
OIL & FILTER CHANGE SERVICE
TRIPLE PLAY
$50 4 WHEEL OFF BRAKE SERVICE
($20 OFF 2 WHEEL)
Not valid with any other coupon or discount. Please present coupon at time of write-up. Discount applied before tax. Expires 5/31/19. Use code: NOWBRAKE
plus FRONT WIPER BLADE REPLACEMENT
includes
MULTI-POINT VEHICLE INSPECTION AND BATTERY TEST
Up to 5-quarts of conventional oil. Up to 24” wiper blades. Not valid with any other coupon or discount. Use code: NOWTRIPLE . Use code: NOWTRIPLE Expires 5/31/19
AAA members receive a 10% DISCOUNT on labor & a 3 YEAR/36,000 MILE GUARANTEE on all repairs.
$2495
INCLUDES TIRE ROTATION
FULL SERVICE OIL CHANGE
UPGRADE TO FULL SYNTHETIC FOR $5995
Up to 5-quarts of oil, standard oil filter are included. Vehicles that require higher
oil capacity or specialty filters will be charged additionally. Use code: NOWLOF Expires 5/31/19
Restrictions: Most Vehicles. Not valid with any other coupon or discount. Please present coupon prior to the time of write-up, to be applied.
All services performed include a courtesy 36-point vehicle inspection and complimentary tire rotation.
518-831-1861
Free Wi-Fi Saturday Hours CourtesyShuttle
1647 Route 9 Halfmoon, NY 12065 518-831-1861 | AAA.com/CarCare Mon-Fri: 7:30a.m.-6:00p.m. | Sat: 7:30a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Clean waiting area with TV Free Beverages andMORE!
Car Care Center
Auto Repair & Tire Center
VEHICLES?
DO YOU OWN
MULTIPLE
RECEIVE AN EXTRA
10% OFF
MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS
ON ANY ADDITIONAL VEHICLES IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD, BEYOND YOUR PRIMARY SERVICED VEHICLE.
Use code: NOWMulti10
518-831-1861
1647 Route 9 Halfmoon, NY 12065 518-831-1861 | AAA.com/CarCare Mon-Fri: 7:30am-6:00pm | Sat: 7:30am-5:00pm
Courtesy Shuttle | Free Beverages | Free Wi-Fi | SaturdayHours | CleanwaitingareawithTV&MORE!
8
SPRING 2019
Members & Nonmembers Welcome
$6995
most vehicles