As the ice thaws and spring flowers appear, driving conditions can begin to change significantly. While fewer auto accidents tend to happen in the spring than in winter, there are still some risky conditions to be aware of. As the weather begins to get warmer, know how to prepare your tires for spring weather, and how to drive safely as the seasons change.

How to Stay Safe on the Road this Season

1. Drive Slow on Wet Roads

The snow and ice may have melted, but spring rains keep the roads slick. The water may mix with the oil on the road, creating a slippery film that severely reduces your traction. Continue to drive at reduced speeds in wet conditions, increasing your following distance so that you have time to stop abruptly if needed.

2. Watch Out for Potholes

Potholes typically appear or grow in size during the winter. Snowplows may have pulled out chunks of the road, while the freeze-thaw cycle impacted the asphalt’s integrity. They may affect your car’s alignment or damage a tire and rim if you hit one going at moderate to fast speeds.

3. Maintain Your Tires

Check your tires for damage or wear after winter is over. Extreme winter temperatures may have caused your older set to start cracking or worn your tread down to a dangerous depth. Replace them if needed. Whether you keep your old set or replace them, keep them inflated within the PSI range listed on the sidewall. This will improve your traction on wet roads and reduce damage caused by potholes.

4. Circumvent Puddles

Drive around deep puddles in the road. You do not know how deep they are, and driving into deep water can affect your brakes or damage your engine. Even a shallow puddle can cause you to hydroplane and spin out as your tires completely lose their grip on the road. If you cannot go around a puddle, turn around or proceed very slowly.

5. Share the Road

The warmer weather brings out bicyclists, motorcycles, and pedestrians. They are more challenging to see – especially if your vision is impaired by rain – so double-check for others before making a turn or changing lanes.

Warrenton Tire & Muffler will help you prepare for spring conditions in Warren County, MI. This family auto repair shop has been serving drivers in the community for more than 38 years. They sell affordable tires, can provide routine maintenance services such as oil changes, and have a state-of-the-art diagnostic system to conduct quick and accurate repairs. Learn more about their services online and call (636) 456-4355 today for a free estimate.