A 3-minute lesson from the Montana course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.
You can't avoid what you can't see. Before every trip, clean the glass and lights, then set the seat, mirrors and head restraint for whoever is driving — many vehicles are shared by drivers of different sizes.
Keep your glass clear
Keep the windshield clean — bright sun or headlights on a dirty windshield make it hard to see
Carry liquid cleaner and a paper or cloth towel
Keep the washer bottle full; use antifreeze wash where it can freeze
Clean the inside of the windows — smoking builds up a film
Clear snow, ice and frost from the front, sides and back before you drive
Set the rearview mirror to see out the back window and the side mirrors to see the sides. A good side-mirror setting: lean forward slightly and you can just see the side of your vehicle.
You borrow a taller friend's car. Before pulling out, raise the seat until you see the road clearly, aim the rearview mirror at the back window, set each side mirror so leaning slightly shows the car's side, and lower the head restraint to the back of your head.
Check your understanding
Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.
Dirt on your headlight and taillight lenses can cut the lights' effectiveness by how much?
30%
50%
25%
75%
Answer: 50%
The manual says dirt on the lenses can cut the lights' effectiveness by 50%, so keep them clean.