Lewisville VW’s FALLbulous Autumn Driving Tips

Oct 23, 2018

Staying safe while driving is also important. Here are a few fall driving tips to do just that.

Watch for Wet Leaves

Leaves may be beautiful when taking walks in the park, but when they get wet, leaves become as treacherous on roads as ice and snow. Avoid braking on wet leaves as they may cause you to skid. Leaves can also block lane lines and other markers, so please be extra vigilant.

Be Aware of Schoolchildren

With the turn to autumn comes the return of schoolchildren and buses. Be careful when approaching bus stops or traveling behind school buses, which are known to make frequent stops. Also, younger pedestrians may not be as vigilant when crossing the street – always watch out for them.

Watch for Changing Sun Glare

Sun glare is an issue all year round but especially in the fall. Sunlight can reflect off of leaves, frost and make for perilous traveling. Have a pair of sunglasses ready and be especially careful when driving at sunrise or sunset, when the sun’s glare can be right in your line of sight. Be sure to adjust your rear view and side mirrors several times during the day to prevent sun reflection from blinding you unexpectedly.

Be Mindful of Fog

As the days and nights get cooler, fog and dew can form, especially in the morning. Foggy mornings are commonplace in the fall, where there’s big swings in the morning’s temperature and nighttime’s. Fog can form quickly and persist until the sun burns it off. Fog is more likely to occur in areas with hills, mountains, valleys or dense tree cover. Drivers should not use high beams when driving through fog as the beams will create glare by bouncing off the fog. In fact, if you’re a Volkswagen owner, we offer a wide range of bulbs – in case you’re due for a replacement.

Don’t Slip on Frost and Dew

During the fall, there will be times that there’s frost on the ground – usually in the morning and sometimes throughout the day. These conditions can lead to icy spots on roadways, especially on bridges, overpasses and shaded areas not exposed to the Sun.

Look Out for Critters

The fall is a time when many animals are active, either breeding or gathering food for the winter ahead. Deer, for example, are likely to be more active as the sun rises and sets and to be on roadways or on the edge of them, ready to dart into a street.

Here are a few tips to keep you and your car running in the fall:

Check your tire pressure. Tires lose pressure as the temperature drops
Change your windshield wipers
Make sure your headlights are aligned
Drive a little slower to keep an eye out for children, animals and hazards
Clear frost off of your windows
Use low beams in foggy or rainy weather

At Lewisville Volkswagen, we’re here to help you keep your vehicle working at top performance all fall long. You can count on our professional teams to prepare your car for any season.