Driving in the fall: it’s like winter

Canadian drivers know that in winter, we must slow down and most importantly, be careful of icy or snowy roads. That said, many are unaware that fall can also be dangerous as roads become slippery for many different reasons.

“Motorists change their behavior on the road in winter, but once spring returns they go back to their original driving habits. Obviously, there is less danger on the roads in summer, but in autumn, the cold comes back and the roads are wet, and often we drive with tires that are not adapted to this new reality,” says a service technician at Promenade Kia.

The best way to approach fall is to see it as a practice for winter, especially if our summer tires are nearing the end of their rope. Here are some things to watch out for when driving in autumn.

The roads are wet

Rain is more frequent in autumn and the sun is not out as long. This means that roads are often soaked, which in turn increases the risk of hydroplaning even after the rain has stopped simply because there isn’t enough sun to dry everything.

Leaves make things slippery

It’s important to be careful when driving on a road that is covered with leaves. They can cover the road and reduce contact between your tires and the road. When the leaves are wet, there is an increased likelihood that your tires will slip and that you will lose control. Therefore, when driving on a twisty, wet road that is covered in leaves, it’s best to exercise caution.

Nights are getting colder

Nights are obviously much colder in the fall. Combined with wet roads, the cold can make things a little slippery in the morning and in the evening as the temperature drops. Drivers therefore need to watch out for black ice.