Driving after dark in Singapore can be challenging, even more so if you’re unfamiliar with your vehicle. Whether you’ve opted for car leasing for 1 year or are using a long-term rental plan, ensuring your night drives are safe should be a top priority. Reduced visibility, fatigue, and increased traffic risks make night-time driving a different experience altogether. Fortunately, with the right habits and a well-maintained vehicle, you can navigate the roads confidently.
Here are some practical tips to help you drive your leased car safely during night hours.
Get Comfortable With Your Vehicle’s Features
Before you even hit the road, take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the key features of your car. Night driving requires more than just good vision—it involves knowing where your lights, demisters, fog lights, and hazard signals are. This is particularly important when you’ve just picked up a car under a yearly car rental plan from a leasing company and are still adjusting to the model.
If your leased car comes equipped with features like automatic headlights, lane assist, or blind spot monitoring, learn how they work. These aids can provide extra safety in low-light conditions, but shouldn’t be a substitute for cautious driving.
Keep Headlights Properly Aligned And Clean
Poorly aimed or dirty headlights not only limit your visibility but can also blind oncoming drivers. Before heading out for a night drive, inspect your headlights to ensure they are clean and functioning properly. If you’re unsure about alignment, request a check from your rental provider.
Some rental services, especially those offering car leasing for 1 year, include regular maintenance and checks in their packages. Make the most of this by having the lights serviced periodically. Dim or flickering lights should never be ignored, as they can become hazardous when you’re navigating darker roads or rainy conditions common in Singapore.
Reduce Glare And Avoid Looking At Oncoming Lights
Glare is one of the most common problems encountered during nighttime driving. If the glare from headlights in your rear-view mirror becomes a distraction, switch the mirror to its anti-glare or “night” setting. Also, avoid directly looking at the headlights of oncoming traffic; instead, shift your gaze slightly to the left lane marking to stay oriented.
Using your dashboard lights at a moderate brightness level can also help reduce strain on your eyes and improve night-time focus. The balance between interior and exterior light plays a crucial role in how well your eyes adjust to the darkness.
Drive Slower And Stay Alert
Night driving isn’t the time to be in a rush. Visibility is lower, and reaction times need to be quicker. If you’re using a new vehicle through a yearly car rental in Singapore, you’re likely still getting used to how it handles. Keep a safe following distance from the vehicle in front, and drive at a comfortable speed that allows ample time to react to any sudden obstacles or road changes.
It’s also vital to be aware of the signs of fatigue. If you feel sleepy, pull over to a safe location and rest. Driving while drowsy can be as dangerous as driving under the influence, especially on poorly lit or winding roads.
Make Use Of High Beams Responsibly
High beams are useful on unlit roads or expressways, but in a well-lit city like Singapore, their use is limited. However, if you’re travelling to more rural areas or late at night when traffic is sparse, high beams can greatly improve your view. Always switch them off when another car approaches to avoid dazzling other drivers.
Check your car’s manual or rental guide—especially if you’re on a plan that includes car leasing for 1 year—to understand how to activate and control these lighting functions properly.
Maintain Your Windshield And Mirrors
Clear visibility is essential when driving at night. Smudged or dusty windows can scatter light and create distracting halos. Clean your windshield, side mirrors, and rear-view mirror regularly to prevent this. This not only helps with your visibility but ensures you’re seen by others, too.
If you’ve selected a yearly car rental in Singapore, many providers offer cleaning or servicing options—don’t hesitate to take advantage of them.
Be Mindful Of Other Road Users
Night-time roads aren’t just filled with cars. Cyclists, pedestrians, and even wildlife in certain areas may be present. Always be on the lookout, particularly near junctions or pedestrian crossings. Slowing down in residential areas can help prevent accidents and improve your response time.
This is especially important when you’re not driving your car and might not fully know its braking sensitivity or blind spots, something to consider if you’ve gone with car leasing for 1 year.
Conclusion
Driving a leased car at night requires extra care, attentiveness, and a bit of preparation. With the right habits and awareness of your car’s functions, you can stay safe even in the most challenging conditions. From adjusting your mirrors to knowing how to manage glare, every small step helps you become a more confident and responsible nighttime driver. If you’re considering car leasing for 1 year, choose a provider that offers comprehensive maintenance and support for your peace of mind.
For more advice on long-term car rentals or to learn about our plans, reach out to Eurokars Leasing today and speak with our car leasing experts.