Fall Driving Hazards

It’s that time of year again – fall!  Football, sweater weather and hot cider are only some of the many things to enjoy about this season.  But along with the many pleasures of the season come some possible fall driving hazards that drivers can be better prepared for to maximize their safety.

This month we review some key considerations in equipping your vehicle for fall and being a more alert and attentive driver to three “change of season” driving conditions:

• Slippery Road Surfaces
• Nighttime Visibility
• Cooler Temperatures

Slippery Road Surfaces

During the fall season, the roads tend to be slippery in early morning or early evening hours.  This is because of the accumulated dew.  Add to that any fallen leaves and it becomes a very slick surface to drive on.  This means you should watch your speed and be more careful when going around curves at early morning or evening hours.  Extra vigilance is helpful, but you should also inspect and/or service your vehicle for critical items, including:

• Vehicle Brakes – Having good stopping power is important and so have our brakes inspected for possible wear and tear.
• Tire treads – Worn or balding treads reduce road traction and make it more likely your vehicle may skid on slippery surfaces.
• Tire air pressure – Proper inflation is important to ensure your tires are operating effectively.  Check with your tire manufacturer on the recommended pressure for cooler temperatures and your specific tires.

Nighttime Visibility

When the clocks are turned forward during fall, we lose daylight hours.  Many drivers are used to driving a certain way in the afternoons and need to adapt to the time change and the early darkness, especially since children may still be playing or walking on the streets.

You can prepare your vehicle for better visibility with a few easy service items:

• Clean Windows – Give your windows a good cleaning with an ammonia-based cleaner, both on the inside and outside of the vehicle.
• Wiper Blades/Fluid – If your blades are cracked or worn, replace both the front and rear wiper blades. Make sure that your wiper fluid is also full.
• Headlamps/Taillights – Many drivers are unaware of lamp issues until they pass another motorist who may flash them with their lights. Have someone help you do a front and rear light check – including brakes. Always keep the vehicle in Park or off for safety when someone is behind the vehicle. Don’t forget to check your bright lights too.

Cooler Temperatures

The cooler temperatures of fall are a nice break from hot summer afternoons.  However, cooler temperatures can create weather conditions that become hazardous to drivers.  These include early morning frost and fog.  Fog is especially dangerous because of the reduction in visibility.  If you are driving in early morning or evening hours that tend to develop fog, make sure to slow down and pay more attention to what’s ahead of you.  Here are a few ideas for how you can prepare your vehicle for these weather conditions:

• Lights – Check headlamps and fog lights.
• Wipers – Inspect and replace worn wiper blades.
• Defrost – If your defrost is not working, have it checked by a service professional. Defrosters not only help burn off frost, but they are an important way to ‘unsteam” the windshield.
• Windshield Scraper – Always have a scraper handy in the vehicle so that you can scrape off any excess frost from your windows. The dual-sided scrapers with a brush on one end are great to clear the ice particles off the windows.

Fall is definitely a great time to enjoy the season with your family or friends.  Make it a safe one by being extra vigilant on the road and taking a few steps to ensure your vehicle safety.

If you would like to schedule an appointment, contact the service professionals at Colonial Service Station today.