With that long, hard winter behind us, most drivers assume that there are fewer road hazards that can cause damage to their cars. But as welcome as the warm weather is, it also introduces a whole new set of risks that vehicle operators need to be aware of. From wandering wildlife to bone-jarring potholes, springtime roads can expose your car to a whole different set of risks that can cause both cosmetic and structural damage.

Like we always say though, knowledge is power! Simply being aware of these hazards can help you avoid them, so here are some tips and strategies to help you stay safe and sane this spring.

Potholes

When cracks in the road fill up with water, and changing winter temperatures cause that water to expand, those cracks eventually turn into potholes—sometimes massive potholes! Snowplows, road salt, and older road materials can also contribute to pothole formation. The weight of cars further breaks down the degraded surface and, when all that snow melts, potholes are ever lying in wait to rattle your teeth … and damage your car.   

As collision repair shops know and many drivers have learned the hard way, these potholes can wreak havoc on a car’s tires, suspension, and alignment. Even your car’s frame can be twisted, cracked or bent, leading to misaligned doors and body panels.

Although potholes that are filled with water tend to be hard to detect, do your best to anticipate them. If there just no time to avoid one, at least slow down as much as possible to reduce the impact and lessen the risk of damage.

Pedestrians and Wildlife

As the weather warms up, both people and wildlife become more active. Stay extra alert for adults and kids walking or biking, and always yield the right of way to pedestrians. Reduce your speed in school zones and keep your eyes peeled for kids chasing a runaway ball out onto the street. Motorcyclists will also be back in droves, so check your mirrors and blind spots extra well.

In spring you are also far more likely to encounter animals on the road as they go about their business, especially at dawn and dusk. If circumstances and safety allow for it, you may be able to slow down and honk your horn to encourage critters to get off the road. However, especially if you’re travelling fast and/or surrounded by traffic, you should never brake suddenly to avoid hitting an animal. Although your first instinct may understandably be to spare it from harm, slamming on the brakes puts both you and the drivers around you in immediate danger. If you end up hitting another car in your bid to save a squirrel, this is considered an at-fault, single vehicle collision that could raise your premium.

Hydroplaning

April showers (or torrential rains) may be great for May flowers, but they also increase the risk of dangerously slippery roads. In wet or rainy conditions, reduce your speed and avoid sudden, sharp maneuvers to reduce your risk of skidding and hydroplaning. Always allow a safe distance between your car and all those around you, and make sure your tires have sufficient tread depth to effectively shed the water as it wraps around their surface. All tires are equipped with wear bars, so it only takes a quick visual inspection to know if it’s time to invest in new tires.

Sun Glare

Longer days mean more hours of sunshine, and more of a chance that that dazzling rays will impact your ability to see at a crucial moment. Sun glare is often strongest at sunrise and sunset, so always keep a good pair of sunglasses in the vehicle, adjust your visor as needed, and keep your windshield clean both inside and out. Over time, fine stones can cause also cause the glass to “rash” and compound the glare effect, but windshield replacement is the only fix for this.

Collision Repair You Can Count On … All Year Long 

Here in Ontario, winter is clearly the riskiest time of year for cars and drivers, but that doesn’t mean you can let your guard down once the weather gets nicer.  

Just remember: If you do have a fender bender on a rain-slicked road or an earth-shaking encounter with a pothole, Mitek is here to help. We’ve got the latest tools and equipment, certifications by all the manufacturers that matter, and we use only OEM parts… because our customers deserve repairs that will stand the test of every season.