Spring is a beautiful time of year, but it also creates unique road hazards. When driving during the spring, you need to take extra precautions to keep yourself and other people safe. You should also perform auto maintenance to help your car deal with the challenges of the weather. Consider the following tips to ensure that you are safe on the road as the seasons begin to change.

How Can I Drive Safely in Spring?

1. Look for Potholes

Cold, wet weather is hard on road surfaces. The repeated cycle of freezing and thawing cracks pavement and erodes the soil supporting the roads. New potholes are most likely to appear at this time of year, so watch for them, even on familiar roadways. Hitting a pothole can damage the undercarriage of your car and deflate or pop tires. You may also notice water or debris on the road as the weather changes and the environment thaws, so drive slowly and be prepared to maneuver around these obstacles.

2. Watch Out for Animals & People

The warm weather brings animals out of their homes that they have been hibernating in all winter. They may be confused and hungry, and, because of this, they might act bolder than usual. As the temperature warms, you're likely to see them on the road. Keep an eye out for any animals that might be on the road or might cross in front of you. The same goes for people, as more individuals will be biking, walking, and enjoying the warm weather at this time of the year.

3. Check Your Tires

The warmer the air inside your tires gets, the more it expands. Tires that were at just the right pressure level during the winter might be overfilled now. Combined with the increased number of potholes, it's easy to burst a tire, so be sure to schedule spring auto maintenance. Have your tires inspected, replace or repair them if needed, and monitor and adjust the tire pressure more often while the weather is changing.

For help preparing your tires for the new year and to schedule other auto maintenance options, such as brake service, choose Fulton County Best One Tires & Service Center in Rochester, IN. For almost 20 years, these locally-owned and -operated auto experts have provided brand-name tires from Bridgestone®, Firestone ®, and Goodyear®, as well as knowledgeable service and repairs. Call them at (574) 223-2103 or like them on Facebook for updates.