Tips for Safe Fall Driving in Michigan

The days are getting shorter, and you will drive in the dark a lot more. First, ensure you keep your headlights clean and in proper working order, as dim headlights will decrease your visibility. Next, be sure always to watch out for pedestrians, joggers, and bikers that will be crossing the street. Next, be sure you are always watching for children walking to and from bus stops in the morning and the afternoon, as they will cross your path when there is less light out. Finally, Fall is the best breeding time for deer, so make sure you travel slowly if you live in an area with many deer. If you see one deer cross the roadway, others will follow as deer travel in groups.

The weather in the fall can quickly change from warm to cold, which causes roads to be slick with ice overnight. Make sure you drive slowly and brake gently across overpasses and bridges, as the surfaces will frost before others. You need to be aware of the sports where black ice forms on the roadway and drive carefully through these areas. Also, ensure that you check your tire pressure daily, as extreme temperature changes will cause your tires to both expand and contract, leading to a loss of tire pressure. Before you start your vehicle, make sure that you clear any frost away from your car and make sure that your tires are properly inflated. If your tires need air or you need new tires, be sure to stop by Rochester Hills Dodge Chrysler Jeep!

Cold fall mornings often bring fog, and when you are driving in foggy weather, make sure to set your headlights to low instead of high. Your high beams will bounce off the fog and cause it to reflect back at you, impairing your ability to see. The low beams will aim toward the roadway and help your seeing ability. Make sure that you are also slowing down and leaving plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you so you will have enough time to stop if needed.

With the sunrises and sunsets during the fall, a lot of glare will be created, making it harder to see other vehicles, traffic lights, and pedestrians on the roads. To conquer the glow, be sure to clean your windshield inside and out and remove any dust particles, streaks, or smudges. All these things can become magnified when lit up by sunlight, impacting your visibility. Also, avoid washing and waxing products that increase your car's shine, magnify the sun's glare on your vehicle, and cause the light to reflect into your eyes and blind you for a little bit. Finally, keep a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle at all times, so you can further protect yourself from the sun's rays. If you drive a lot at night, get some lenses with anti-reflective coating to reduce the glare from headlights and street lights.

Of course, before you head out and brave the elements this fall, get your vehicle checked out by our experts here at Rochester Hills Dodge Chrysler Jeep! Our team specializes in everything from changing your oil and rotating your tires to a complete transmission repair! Our team is excited to work on your vehicle, and we have several years of experience with several Jeep, Dodge, and Ram vehicles, so you know it will be in good hands. You can schedule your appointment by filling out a form here on our website or in person at our dealership! We can't wait to see you at Rochester Hills Dodge Chrysler Jeep!