Fall presents various difficulties for motorists, ranging from slick leaves thrown over the roadways to heightened wildlife activity and shorter daylight hours. To maintain road safety, drivers must modify their driving practices in light of these considerations. This blog will provide advice on tire care and visibility to help you avoid these autumn-specific driving hazards.
Considering the conditions of autumn roads
Not only does nature change in the fall, but so do the roadways. Driving conditions can resemble ice as leaves fall and collect on the roads, causing them to become wet and slick. Fall also brings an increased level of activity from deer and other wildlife, particularly at dawn and dusk, when they are more likely to be out and about commuting since the days are shorter.
Driving advice for wet leaf driving
Slow down
To lessen the chance of skidding when driving on roads covered in leaves, especially when they are wet, slow down. Drive carefully since leaves can hide pavement markers, including traffic lines.
Refrain from making abrupt movements.
When driving on leaves, take all steering, braking, and acceleration movements gradually. The tires may slip and lose traction if they move suddenly.
Extend the distance you follow
Keep a bigger distance between your car and the one in front of you. On slick terrain, stopping distances might increase, so give yourself more room and you will have more time to react.
Verifying the safety of tires
Continue appropriate inflation
Maintain a regular tire pressure check. It is crucial to check your tires at least once a month because they tend to lose pressure in colder weather. Properly inflated tires give the best possible traction and handling.
Verify the tread depth.
Having tires with sufficient tread depth is essential for driving safely on rainy and slick surfaces. If the tread depth of your tires is less than 4/32 of an inch, check them for wear and replace them. The penny test, which involves inserting a penny into the tread while turning Lincoln's head upside down, is an easy method to measure tread depth. It is time to change the tire if Lincoln's entire head is visible.
Increasing awareness
Keep windows free.
To prevent moisture from getting on the windshield, use your defroster. Make sure the wipers on your windshield are in good working order and replace them if they fail to clean the glass in one swipe without leaving streaks.
Bright external lights
Maintain the headlights, taillights, and signal lights of your car on a regular basis. During the early evening and morning hours, which are more common in the fall, dirty lights can drastically limit visibility.
Modify the times you drive.
Whenever possible, reschedule your activities to avoid driving around dusk and dawn, when visibility is at its worst.
Although driving in the fall can be difficult, you can still enjoy the beauty of the season safely if you take the necessary precautions. Always adapt your driving to the circumstances of the road, maintain good car upkeep, and keep an eye out for wildlife. You can contribute to making autumnal driving safe and enjoyable by paying attention to these pointers.