Fall is in full swing, and your family is likely gearing up for the season by picking apples, carving pumpkins, enjoying a fun hayride, or shopping for the latest Halloween décor. Whether you plan to use your luxury car to take a leaf-watching trip into the mountains, visit family for holiday dinner, or simply make your normal commute to work, there are a variety of hazards to watch out for this season. Cold weather isn’t common for San Diego, so you don’t have to worry about ice on the roads, but fallen leaves that accumulate on the pavement and become wet are just as slippery as driving on ice.
Take extra caution this season to avoid a dangerous collision by following the steps below.
- Slow down when driving on a leaf-covered road, especially when going around a turn.
- Never drive through a leaf pile. They can cover a pothole or bump in the road that can cause serious damage to your vehicle.
- Stay vigilant for children playing along the shoulder. Children enjoy jumping in leaf piles or hiding, and they aren’t known for watching the road very closely before crossing.
- Leave a greater distance between your car and the car in front of you so you have adequate time to stop in an emergency.
- Never park on a pile of leaves. Sparks or fumes from the exhaust or catalytic converter can ignite the leaves, resulting in a deadly fire.
- Ensure your headlight are clean, aligned, and working properly.
- Set your highlights to low beam while driving in the fog.
- Remove leaves from your windshield so they do not get stuck in your wiper blades.
- Replace your wipers if they show evidence of wear.
- Keep an emergency car safety kit in your trunk.
- Watch out for children trick or treating around Halloween. Their masks or costumes may limit their visibility or make it difficult to see where they are going.
- Wear sunglasses to combat the sun’s glare, especially at sunrise and sunset. Without eye protection, you will have trouble seeing the roadway, the shoulder, and other vehicles.
- If there are deer in your area, fall is their breeding season, so proceed slowly and stop immediately when you see a deer cross. They usually travel in groups, so even if you miss hitting the first one, there are probably more to follow.
If you’ve already experienced damage to your luxury car, or you need to schedule an appointment for maintenance, contact British Garage today. Our highly skilled team of technicians is ready to give your vehicle the proper care and attention it deserves.