After months of freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall, the long-awaited spring season is a time for deep cleaning, sunny days, and lots and lots of rain. It also means leaving all traces of winter behind and having a fresh start – including with your vehicle.
When you live in a place like Stratford, Ontario that experiences intense weather patterns during the spring and winter months, it’s important to properly prep your car in between seasons to prevent accidents and any other major issues.
In this article, Orr Insurance will go over what steps you’ll need to take to get your car spring-ready so you can combat some of the biggest spring driving risks. Keep reading to learn more about how you can stay safe out on the roads this spring through proper preparation.
The Biggest Risks of Springtime Driving in Stratford
Between the heavy rain and occasional snowfall, springtime driving in Stratford comes with unique challenges and road hazards that often lead to an uptick in insurance claims every spring. Some of the biggest risks associated with springtime driving in this part of Ontario include:
Slick Roads and Poor Driving Conditions
When the temperatures rise and the snow and ice begin to melt, it can make roads wet and slippery and reduce traction, making it difficult to drive safely and increasing the risk of accidents.
Potholes
Potholes are a common occurrence in the spring as pavement becomes damaged by continuous freeze/thaw cycles and increased traffic. Not only are potholes annoying for drivers, but they can also be incredibly dangerous and cause damage to vehicles and lead to accidents.
Limited Visibility
Spring fog and rain can significantly reduce visibility on the roads, making it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles, pedestrians, road signs, and potential hazards.
Flooding
Under the right conditions, snowmelt and heavy rain can lead to heavy flooding in low-lying areas, which can be hazardous for drivers when it happens suddenly and unexpectedly. Therefore, you should always keep an eye on the weather forecast in the spring and stay on top of your local news to stay updated on potential flooding.
Unpredictable Weather
Every Ontarian knows all too well how a sudden spring snowfall followed by heavy rainstorms can strike when you least expect it, even after most people have removed their snow tires.
These sudden weather changes can lead to dangerous driving conditions, road accidents, and more, so it’s important to always be cautious and prepared for adverse weather.
Road Maintenance and Construction
After a long winter break, construction and road maintenance typically pick back up again in the spring, creating hazardous conditions for drivers. Always be prepared for detours, lane closures, and uneven road surfaces when out driving in the spring.
How to Get Your Car Spring-Ready
The best way to stay on top of unexpected spring weather and dangerous road conditions is to be well-prepared and get your car ready for safe driving when April rolls around.
Below, Orr Insurance lists some of the most important steps vehicle owners should take this spring to ensure their cars are properly equipped for the road. Keep reading to learn more!
Check Your Car Battery
The frigid Ontario winter temperatures can put a major strain on your car’s battery. At the end of every winter, check your battery for signs of corrosion or reduced charge, especially if it’s more than three years old.
Check Your Tires
Winter driving can take a toll on your tires, so, if you aren’t planning to swap out your winter tires right away, make sure they are properly inflated and have enough tread for wet spring roads by checking your tire pressure and tread depth.
Once the temperature consistently hovers around 7 degrees Celsius, they recommend switching out your winter tires for summer ones.
Check Your Fluids
It’s important to check all of the essential fluids in your car at the beginning of spring to make sure your vehicle is safe to drive. This includes:
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Brake fluid
- Windshield washer fluid
They typically recommend having a mechanic check for all of these, however, if you are car savvy, you may be able to do this on your own.
Replace Your Wiper Blades
After working overtime all winter long, your wiper blades may be a bit worn out from the intense winter conditions. To ensure that your wipers are able to keep up as the snow turns into heavy rainfall, they recommend replacing your wiper blades every year at the beginning of spring.
Inspect Brakes and Suspension
You should always have your brakes and suspension system inspected by a professional mechanic at least once a year, particularly at the end of the winter season. Potholes and treacherous winter driving conditions can damage these components, making your car unsafe to drive.
Give Your Car a Deep Cleaning
From road salt to ice and mud, your car takes a beating during the winter months and should be thoroughly cleaned between seasons to prevent rust.
Make sure you remember to clean the undercarriage to remove any hard to see salt and debris and consider giving your car a wax afterwards to provide an extra layer of protection.
Check All Your Lights
Having functional headlights and turn signals are essential when driving through fog, rain, and other hazardous weather conditions. At the beginning of spring, check to make sure that the following are working properly:
- Headlights
- Taillights
- Brake lights
- Turn signals
Renew Your Insurance
Always make sure that your vehicle insurance is up-to-date so that you are protected in the event of an accident caused by adverse springtime weather.
Whether you’re a new or existing client, if you find yourself in need of a new insurance policy this spring, they can help. At Orr Insurance, their Stratford auto insurance experts can help you find coverage that’s tailored to your specific needs and a reliable provider you can trust.
Give them a call at 1.800.876.4163 for more options, knowledgeable counsel, specialised assistance, and advocacy that will help you save money on your auto insurance.
Visit their website to learn more about their services and when you’re ready, contact their team for a car insurance quote.