Fall is a time for hayrides, pumpkin spiced drinks, and of course cooler weather. It’s also a time when road and weather conditions make driving a little tougher. Stay safe on the road this fall with these smart driving tips.

Don’t Brake on Leaves. Wet leaves can be as slippery as ice. Drive slowly through them and avoid hard braking. Leaves may also obscure lane lines and other road markers, so pay attention to the edge of the road and take care to stay in your lane.

Avoid Sun Glare. The first 15-45 minutes after sunrise and before sunset can make for more difficult driving due to sun glare. This is because the sun perfectly aligns with east/west roadways during this time. Make sure you have a good pair of sunglasses for the daytime, use your vehicles sun visor, and keep your windshield clean to minimize the sun’s blinding effects.

Use Your Rain Smarts. During fall, we typically see an increase in rainfall. When it’s raining, be sure to maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you as the wet roads may be more slippery than usual causing an increase in stopping distance for your vehicle, or worse, cause you to hydroplane.

Be Careful on Bridges. As the temperate begins to drop, morning frost can leave icy patches on bridges, overpasses, and shaded spots on the road. Take care while driving & slow down.

Adjust Your Eyes. We lose 1 to 2 minutes of daylight daily after the fall equinox. After leaving home or the office (and before hitting the gas pedal), give your eyes time to adjust to the dark. Your eyes can take anywhere between 2-5 minutes to fully adjust to lighting conditions.

Watch Out for Deer. Fall marks the beginning of deer breeding season and they will be more active in areas near the road. Deer are most active during sunset and sunrise, so be extra watchful when driving near the woods & near deer crossing signs.

Make Sure Your Vehicle is Up to the Task. That means you should regularly check your vehicles tire pressure, replace your windshield wipers, and make sure your headlights are properly aligned. If it has been some time since you have taken your vehicle to a mechanic for a full inspection, now might be a good time as well to help ensure against a vehicle break down.

We hope that you find these tips useful. And as always … safe journeys on your trips around town. Big City Cars is located at 4910 Lima Road, just down from Costco. Or give us a call today at (260) 212-1111. We look forward to helping you get into a quality preowned vehicle that fits your lifestyle & budget.