Spring is a time of beauty when the days get longer and wildflowers start to bloom, but there's another side to this season that drivers should pay attention to, a side that brings some potential dangers with it.

During the months of March, April, and May, as temperatures start to get warmer, there is much more activity. Because of this, Christian Brothers Automotive believes drivers should always be aware of the potential dangers of driving during the spring season. We aren’t only about Driving Joy…we’re about driving safely, too. Here are a few tips for Springtime driving.

Springtime Safety Tips for a Hazardous Driving Season

Be Safe as…the Weather Changes

April showers might bring May flowers, but they also bring dangerous road conditions. Slippery surfaces and flooding caused by spring showers and snowmelt can reduce your stopping power, handling, and visibility. If you’ve never driven in northern locations with melted snow, then you might not know that if a car passes you and splashes water on your windshield, it’s not just water. It’s likely to come with salt and mud. Neither fun nor safe! But, not to worry! We have some safety tips for you.

To ensure your safety while navigating spring storms, here are some important driving tips to keep in mind:

• Plan your next trip around current and predicted weather patterns to avoid the rain.

• Make sure yourtires are properly inflated and have enoughtread.

• Triple check that yourwindshield wipers are in good shape.

• Slow down and increase your following distance to give yourself more time to brake and react.

• Don't attempt to drive through flooded areas; you never truly know how deep the water is.

Above all, be sure to avoid driving through large puddles of water to keep yourself from hydroplaning. If you feel your car start to slide, ease off the gas pedal and turn in the direction of the skid. This can keep you from losing control of the vehicle.

Be Safe as…Pedestrians (of the human and animal variety) Enjoy the Outdoors

With temperatures rising, people are more likely to be out running, walking, and cycling. Similarly, animals are also on the move, with the days getting longer and warmer.

This means drivers should pay attention when driving in areas where people and animals live and play. Be vigilant when driving through residential areas or near parks and forests where animals like deer and coyotes are more likely to be.

Be sure to keep your speed down, especially in areas with a lot of pedestrian activity. Also, scan the sides of the road for people and animals as you drive, so you can anticipate any sudden movements they may make. Be aware of your blind spots, too, as this can be a common area where animals or pedestrians may be unnoticed.

Be Safe as…Potholes Form

Believe it or not,potholes are far more common in the spring. As temperatures rise and the snow melts, water starts to seep into cracks in the asphalt, which can eventually lead to potholes.

Be alert and watch for any changes in road surfaces as you drive; a change in road surface could be anything from a small hole to an entire portion of the road missing. Keep an eye out for puddles; they can be a sign of more serious damage (and a bigger hole) beneath the surface. If you do spot a pothole, slow down and take extra caution when passing or going around it.

If you don't, you could put your car or truck at risk of:

• Damaging the rims of your tires (giving your car a bad ongoing vibration/shake)

• Putting a hole in your tire (often irreparable)

• Knocking your wheel alignment out of place (causing excess wear on tires)

• Wrecking your shocks or struts (an expensive suspension repair)

For more information on how to avoid potholes, how to drive over them safely, and the damage they can deal to your ride,check out our pothole blog here.

How to Get Your Car Ready for Your Spring Adventures

While spring can usher in some undesirable road conditions, we're not here to scare you from ever leaving the house. Spring is an excellent time for exploring! We just want to ensure that you are prepared for what may lay ahead and that your vehicle is up for the challenge.

To make sure your car is prepared to handle spring driving, bring it by your friendly auto repair experts at Christian Brothers Automotive. Not only will you experience ourNice Difference, but also every vehicle that enters our shop is given a complimentary Courtesy Inspection by one of our expert technicians, giving you a full rundown of your vehicle’s current health and safety.

Find your closest Christian Brothers Automotive auto repair shop and call today to schedule your inspection! You can also schedule an appointment by taking advantage of our user friendly online appointment setting feature.

This blog was written in May, 2016, and was updated in August, 2023, to reflect current industry standards and best practices.