Summer months actually see more car crashes than winter, despite the absence of snow and ice. In fact, the summer period (June through August) averages about 29% more fatal car accidents than the winter months. This is partly because Americans drive more miles during summer vacations (around 20% more miles than in winter) and there are more teenage drivers out of school (an average of 260 teen driving deaths per month in summer, which is ~26% higher than other seasons). Fall also brings unique challenges: shorter daylight hours, deer mating season, slippery piles of leaves, and the first frosty mornings. For example, over 40% of deer-related car collisions occur in the late fall months of October through December (with November being the peak).
If you’re gearing up for a seasonal road trip or daily commute, a little preparation goes a long way. Before you hit the road, make sure your car is ready and your insurance is up to date. For personalized advice or to update your coverage, call Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060. We’re here to help you stay protected on the road. Now, let’s break down what you can do to drive safely through summer’s heat and autumn’s changing conditions.
What Car Maintenance Should I Do Before Summer or Fall Driving?
Proper car maintenance is your first line of defense against accidents and breakdowns. Founding Father Ben Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and that certainly applies to driving. Before any long summer road trip or the start of fall, take time to inspect and service key parts of your vehicle. A well-maintained car is less likely to have issues like overheating or brake failure that could put a damper on your journey (and your wallet). Here’s a checklist of things to do before you drive in summer heat or autumn weather:
Test the A/C and Heater/Defroster
Make sure your air conditioning is working for the summer, and that your heater and defrosters are functional for cooler fall mornings. A functioning A/C isn’t just a comfort – it can prevent heat exhaustion in traffic, and the defroster keeps your windshield clear of fog or frost for good visibility. If your A/C is weak, have it serviced, and replace the cabin air filter if needed. A lack of cooling on a 90°F day isn’t just unpleasant – it can be dangerous for those sensitive to heat.
Check the Cooling System (Radiator & Coolant)
Overheating is a top cause of summer breakdowns. Ensure your radiator and cooling system are in top shape. Check your coolant/antifreeze level and top it off according to your owner’s manual specs. Look over radiator hoses for cracks or leaks and replace any that are worn. If your coolant hasn’t been changed in a while, consider flushing and refilling it. Being low on antifreeze can cause catastrophic engine damage if your engine overheats. It’s wise to carry an extra bottle of the correct coolant in your trunk during long trips, just in case.
Change the Oil and Check Other Fluids
Fresh oil keeps your engine lubricated in hot weather. If you’re due for an oil change, do it before a summer road trip. Motor oil is the lifeblood of your engine, preventing those fast-moving metal parts from welding together under heat. Also check all other fluids: brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Top them up to the recommended levels. Low fluids can lead to component failures (for example, low brake fluid could mean worn brake pads or a leak that needs attention).
Inspect Belts and Hoses
These are critical to your engine’s operation (driving the water pump, alternator, etc.), and they degrade over time. Look for frayed belts or soft, bulging hoses. Replace any worn belts or hoses before they fail. A broken serpentine belt or burst radiator hose could leave you stranded on a hot highway. It’s much easier to fix these at home or in a shop than on the roadside.
Test the Battery
Summer heat can be just as hard on your car’s battery as winter cold – in fact, heat is the number one cause of battery failure. High temperatures accelerate the evaporation of battery fluid and can lead to corrosion inside the battery. If your battery is more than three years old, have it tested. Check that the terminals are clean and tightly connected. Consider preventive battery maintenance or replacement in late spring if you live in a very hot climate. This will also prepare you for the fall and upcoming winter.
Check Lights and Signals
Visibility is essential for safety so inspect all your lights, including headlights (both low and high beams), tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard flashers. Replace any burnt-out bulbs. During fall, days get shorter, so you’ll be driving in the dark more often – working headlights and tail lights are crucial to avoid collisions. Plus, driving with a busted light can get you pulled over by the police. A quick walk-around light check before a trip is a great habit.
Examine Wiper Blades and Washer Fluid
Summer thunderstorms and autumn rain or fog can severely limit your visibility, so you need good wipers. If your windshield wipers are streaking or skipping, replace them. Wiper blades often wear out from temperature extremes (summer heat can warp the rubber, and winter ice can tear it). It’s recommended to replace wiper blades at least annually, often after winter. Also fill your windshield washer reservoir with the appropriate fluid – use a summer blend in warm months and switch to a freeze-resistant winter blend by late fall. Being able to clear rain, bugs, or early frost from your windshield will keep you safe.
Inspect Tires (Tread and Pressure)
Your tires are literally where “the rubber meets the road” – they are critical for traction and safety in all seasons. Check that your tires have sufficient tread depth. An easy test: insert a penny into the tread grooves with Lincoln’s head upside down; if you can see the top of his head, your tread is too low and the tire should be replaced. Also examine tires for any cracks, bulges, or punctures. Maintain proper tire pressure according to your car’s doorjamb sticker or manual. Tire pressure can fluctuate with temperature (for roughly every 10°F increase in ambient temperature, tire pressure can rise about 1 psi). Under-inflated tires can overheat and are more prone to blowouts in hot weather, especially during high-speed highway travel. Over-inflated tires reduce traction, which is risky on slick roads. Check pressures at least once a month and before long trips, adjusting for seasonal temperature changes. Don’t forget to check your spare tire as well (and make sure you have a jack and lug wrench in the vehicle). Lastly, if you haven’t rotated your tires in a while, do so; this promotes even wear and better handling. Leaving for a trip on good, properly inflated tires will give you peace of mind.
Ensure Brakes Are Working Properly
While not explicitly mentioned in the original list, your brake system is obviously vital. Listen for any squealing or grinding sounds which indicate brake pad wear, and have brakes inspected if you haven’t in the last year. In summer, long downhill drives can overheat brakes, and in fall, wet or leaf-covered roads require optimal braking performance. Make sure brake fluid is filled (as noted above) and consider a brake check-up before major trips.
Performing these maintenance steps before summer road trips or before fall sets in will drastically lower your chances of a breakdown. It’s much easier (and cheaper) to replace a worn belt or battery at your convenience than to deal with a tow truck on the highway. Preventative care keeps your car running efficiently in hot weather and prepares it for the cooler, wetter conditions of autumn.
What should I keep in my car for summer and fall emergencies?
Aside from prepping your car’s systems, pack an emergency kit for the season. In summer, include water, a roadside emergency kit with jumper cables, a flashlight, basic tools, and first aid supplies. In fall, add some blankets or warm layers in case you get stuck on a chilly evening. A fully charged phone (or a car charger for your phone) is essential year-round for calling help. It’s also a good idea to have sunscreen in the car during summer and an ice scraper in the fall (for unexpected frosty mornings). Preparing for the worst ensures you’re ready to handle minor hiccups like a flat tire or getting caught in a sudden storm far from help.
Why Is Summer Driving More Dangerous, and How Can I Stay Safe?
Many drivers assume winter is the most dangerous time on the road, but summer actually has more risks in terms of traffic accidents. The warmer months bring a perfect storm of factors that can increase hazards on the road. Here are some reasons summer driving can be risky (and tips on how to counter them):
More Traffic and Congestion
Summer is vacation season. Families take road trips, and people are out driving to parks, beaches, and BBQs. With more vehicles on the road (about 20% more miles driven in summer), there’s naturally a higher chance of crashes simply from congestion. You may also encounter more RVs or trailers and more drivers who are unfamiliar with the area (tourists). How to stay safe: Plan your routes and give yourself extra travel time so you’re not rushing. Stay alert in heavy traffic and keep a safe following distance. Patience is key – expect slower traffic and don’t weave aggressively through lanes. If possible, travel at off-peak times to avoid the worst jams.
Inexperienced Teen Drivers
When school is out, a lot of young drivers hit the roads. Teenagers have less experience behind the wheel and are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents. The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is often called the “100 Deadliest Days” for teen drivers for that reason. According to NHTSA data, an average of 260 teen drivers are killed in car crashes each month of summer. How to stay safe: Be extra cautious when you see a car full of young passengers or obviously driven by a new driver – they may not react as predictably. If you’re a parent of a teen, ensure they get supervised driving practice and stress the importance of wearing seatbelts, not texting or using the phone while driving, and not driving under the influence. Daytime driving practice is good, but also make sure they gain experience with night driving before doing it solo, since summer means later evenings out with friends. Setting some ground rules for your teen (like a limit on passengers, a curfew, and zero tolerance for phone use or alcohol) can save lives.
Distracted Driving and Road Trip Fatigue
With nice weather, people tend to feel more relaxed and may not pay as much attention while driving. Long road trips can also lead to driver fatigue. Additionally, summer travelers often have kids or pets in the car which can be a distraction, or they might be fiddling with GPS and music on the open road. How to stay safe: Commit to focused driving. Avoid the temptation to use your phone – texting and driving is as dangerous as drunk driving. If you need to check navigation or change music, have a passenger do it, or pull over briefly. Take regular breaks on long drives (at least every 2 hours) to stretch and re-energize – this helps prevent drowsiness. Stay hydrated (keep water handy) but also don’t delay rest stops; a quick restroom or snack break can really recharge you. If you feel sleepy, do not push through – switch drivers or pull into a safe area to rest. Being alert is especially important in summer when more pedestrians and cyclists are out and might unexpectedly cross your path.
Impaired Driving and Holiday Weekends
Summer has several major holidays – Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day – that often involve parties, BBQs, and unfortunately, alcohol. Drunk driving incidents tend to spike during these times. For example, July 4th is typically one of the deadliest days on U.S. roads each year due to alcohol-related crashes. How to stay safe: Never drive after drinking or let your friends drive drunk. Plan for a designated driver, Uber/Lyft, or public transport if you’re celebrating. Be extra defensive on holiday nights – even if you’re sober, others on the road may not be. Watch out for cars drifting between lanes, braking erratically, or other signs of impaired driving and give them a wide berth; if necessary, pull over and report dangerous drivers to authorities. Also, be cautious during the late-night or early morning hours when leaving fireworks shows or events – traffic will be heavy and not everyone will be fully alert.
Hot Weather Car Strain
High temperatures put added stress on vehicles. Tires, as mentioned, are more prone to blowouts in extreme heat, especially if improperly inflated or worn. Engines can overheat if cooling systems aren’t up to par. Even your car’s battery can fail unexpectedly in heat – AAA notes that hot weather is a top cause of battery death. Additionally, fuel can evaporate more quickly and your AC will be running at max, which can tax the engine. How to stay safe: As covered in the maintenance section, make sure your cooling system, tires, and battery are road-ready for the heat. On very hot days, try to park in the shade when possible (to keep the cabin cooler and reduce strain when you start up again). Keep an eye on your dashboard temperature gauge while driving; if it starts to climb near the red, turn off the AC and turn on the heater at full blast (it sounds counterintuitive, but blasting heat draws excess engine heat into the cabin and can help cool the engine). Then find a safe place to pull over and let the car cool down. Never drive with an overheating engine – you could cause serious damage or even an engine fire.
Pop-Up Storms and Slick Roads
Summer weather can be unpredictable. A sunny afternoon can suddenly turn into a thunderstorm, especially in humid areas. Heavy rain can cause flash flooding on roads, and the first few minutes of any rainstorm are especially slippery as water lifts oil residue from the asphalt. How to stay safe: If you get caught in a downpour, slow down and increase your following distance. Turn on your headlights (in many states, it’s the law to use headlights when wipers are on). Use your wipers and defoggers to maintain visibility. Avoid driving through large puddles or flowing water – as the saying goes, “turn around, don’t drown” if you encounter flooded roads. It only takes a foot or two of water to float and disable a car. If visibility is so poor that you can’t see the road, pull over with your hazard lights on until conditions improve. Summer storms can also bring hail or strong winds; if hail is large, find shelter under an overpass or gas station awning if possible to avoid windshield damage. Always be weather-aware in summer: check the forecast before a long trip, and be ready to postpone or reroute if severe weather is likely.
Motorcyclists, Bicyclists, and Pedestrians
Warm weather brings out more motorcycles, bikes, and people on foot. These road users are harder to see and more vulnerable in a crash. You might find groups of cyclists on rural roads or pedestrians jogging and crossing streets in the evenings. Kids are playing outside more, sometimes running into streets chasing balls, etc. How to stay safe: Stay vigilant, especially in residential areas and city streets. Give motorcycles a full lane – don’t crowd them. Check your blind spots carefully (motorcycles can easily be missed in mirrors). When turning or opening your car door on a street, look for bicyclists (“Dutch reach” with your far hand to open the door, forcing you to turn and check behind you). Obey speed limits, especially in neighborhoods. And always yield to pedestrians in crosswalks – it’s both the law and the right thing to do. Remember that at night or in glaring sun, you might not notice a pedestrian or cyclist until you’re very close, so slowing down in areas where they might be present is important. Both drivers and cyclists need to share the road responsibly; as a driver, keep at least 3 feet of distance when passing bicycles (many states mandate this).
Edge-Case: What should I do if my car starts to overheat while I’m driving in hot weather? If you notice your engine temperature gauge climbing into the red or see steam coming from under the hood on a hot day, act quickly:
- Turn off the AC and turn on the heater to full blast. This pulls heat away from the engine into the cabin. It will make you uncomfortable, but can help prevent the engine from boiling over.
- Pull over safely as soon as you can. Driving further with an overheated engine can cause serious damage.
- Shut off the engine and open the hood (carefully — it will be very hot) to let heat escape. Do NOT open the radiator cap while the engine is hot; the coolant is under pressure and can cause severe burns.
- Once cooled, check the coolant level. If it’s low and you have extra coolant or water, you can top it up in the coolant reservoir (never in a hot radiator directly). Look for any obvious leaks like a burst hose.
- If you’re not far from a safe location or service center and the engine has cooled down, you might try to drive there. Otherwise, call for roadside assistance. It’s safer to get a tow than risk driving an engine that could overheat again.
Preventive step: Always carry a bottle of coolant (and water) in summer if your trip is long or through remote areas. But if in doubt, get help — an engine fix or tow is cheaper than an engine replacement! Overheating can often be avoided by the maintenance steps mentioned earlier, but if it happens, these actions can save your engine and keep you safe.
What Seasonal Hazards Should I Watch Out for in Fall, and How Can I Handle Them?
When summer fades into autumn, the driving environment changes in several ways. Fall can be a beautiful time to drive (think scenic foliage), but it also introduces new hazards that require drivers to adjust their habits. Here are the major fall driving challenges and tips to stay safe:
- Falling Leaves (and Rain): Wet leaves on the roadway can be as slippery as ice. They reduce tire traction just like snow does, and they can also obscure road markings and even hide potholes. A layer of soggy leaves essentially becomes a slimy film on the asphalt.
Safety tips: Slow down on leaf-covered roads, especially after rain. Increase your following distance because your car may not stop as quickly on wet leaves. If you’re on unfamiliar roads, be extra cautious – without visible lane lines or shoulder edges (hidden by leaves), it’s easier to inadvertently drift. Also, avoid hard braking on leaf-covered roads; brake gently to prevent skidding. Keep in mind that dry leaves can be a hazard too – piles of dry leaves against your exhaust or catalytic converter could potentially ignite. So never park over a pile of dry leaves. Overall, treat leaves like you would icy patches: approach with caution, and don’t make sudden moves. - Shorter Days and Sun Glare: As we move into fall, daylight hours shrink. Suddenly your early morning or late afternoon commute might be in the dark. Driving in dusk or darkness means reduced visibility, and it coincides with when many people are driving to work or home. Additionally, the autumn equinox period can give rise to intense sun glare during sunrise and sunset. The sun’s angle in fall often aligns just right (or wrong!) with east-west roads, blasting light directly into drivers’ eyes at rush hour. Sun glare can be most problematic at sunrise and sunset, often coinciding with morning and evening commutes. The glare can literally blind you for a few seconds, which is extremely dangerous.
Safety tips: First, ensure your windshield is clean, inside and out. A dirty or hazy windshield will scatter sunlight and worsen glare. Remove any clutter from your dashboard, too (papers or gadgets can reflect onto the glass). Keep a pair of polarized sunglasses within reach in the car; they can dramatically cut down glare. Use your sun visor strategically to block the sun but be mindful it doesn’t also block your view of the road. If you’re driving toward a low sun and visibility is bad, slow down — there could be stopped traffic or pedestrians you can’t see. Also, turn your headlights on so others can see you (when the sun is glaring in their eyes, your vehicle might be harder for them to notice). Finally, remember that in many places, headlights are legally required after sunset or when visibility is low – in fall, you might need to turn them on earlier than you’re used to. As a rule of thumb, if streetlights are on or it’s starting to look dark/dim, turn on your headlights (not just parking lights or DRLs). - Foggy Mornings: With cooler nights and warmer days, fog becomes common in many regions during fall (especially near bodies of water or low-lying areas). Fog can severely reduce visibility and create dangerous driving conditions.
Safety tips: If you encounter fog, slow down and use low-beam headlights or fog lights. Do not use your high beams – those will reflect off the fog’s water droplets and cause glare, making it even harder to see. Keep a large following distance from the car ahead, in case they brake suddenly. Use road markings (like the right edge line) as a guide to ensure you stay in your lane, but don’t fixate – keep scanning around. In patchy fog, beware that visibility can drop rapidly; in a dense fog bank, you might suddenly come upon very slow or stopped traffic. It’s also important to signal early and ease into stops gradually to alert drivers behind you. If the fog is extremely dense and you can barely see the front of your hood, it may be best to pull into a safe area (a parking lot or side road) and wait it out. Remember, headlights on when wipers are on is a law in many places and a good rule of thumb for fog too – even if it’s daytime, turn on low-beam headlights so others can see you better. - Frost and Early Ice: By mid to late fall, many regions get their first frost. Overnight temperatures can dip to freezing, coating windshields with frost and creating black ice in the early morning on the roads. Bridges and overpasses freeze first since they’re exposed to air underneath, and shaded areas of roadway might stay icy while the rest melts.
Safety tips: If the forecast calls for frost, allow a few extra minutes in the morning to fully defrost and scrape your vehicle’s windows before driving. Trying to drive peering through a small cleared patch is extremely dangerous. Keep a good ice scraper in the car. Use your defrosters; in fall they may not have been used for months, so test them early (as mentioned in maintenance). When driving, be wary of spots that look wet when temperatures are near freezing – it could be ice. Slow down on bridges/overpasses and in wooded or shaded areas at dawn, these are prime spots for surprise slick patches. If you do hit an icy patch and feel your car start to slide, stay calm: ease off the accelerator, don’t slam the brakes, and gently steer in the direction of the skid to regain control. Because fall ice tends to be patchy, you’ll often quickly regain traction after a few yards. But it’s best to avoid needing that recovery – so drive slower and leave plenty of space between you and others on those cold mornings. - Longer Nights – Drowsy Driving and Visibility: With night falling earlier, more people end up driving tired at the end of a workday in darkness. Human eyes don’t see as well at night, and objects like pedestrians, cyclists, or wildlife can be very hard to spot until they’re in your headlights.
Safety tips: As days shorten, adjust your schedule if possible to avoid long drives at night. When you do drive in the dark, make sure your headlights are aimed properly and lenses are clean – cloudy headlight covers can greatly diminish light output. Keep your dashboard lights dim enough that they don’t cause glare on the windshield or hamper your forward vision. If you find yourself struggling to stay awake, do not continue driving – find a safe place to rest. Drowsy driving is as dangerous as drunk driving. To help with alertness, you can crack a window for fresh air, sit up straight, and avoid heavy meals before a long evening drive (a large dinner can induce sleepiness). Another tip: if possible, reduce speed at night – you should be able to stop within the distance lit up by your headlights. Over-driving your headlights (going so fast that you couldn’t stop in time for an obstacle in your light range) is a common issue at night. - Deer and Wildlife: Fall is deer mating season, which dramatically increases deer activity and roadway crossings. Deer are most active around dawn and dusk, which in fall often aligns with commuters’ drive times. In many states, the majority of annual deer-vehicle collisions occur in the fall months. For instance, Nationwide Insurance reports about 40% of deer crashes happen in October through December. A deer can appear suddenly out of nowhere, and if you’re not prepared, you might swerve dangerously or be unable to brake in time. Colliding with a deer can total your car and cause injury; swerving to avoid one can be even more dangerous if it leads to hitting a tree or oncoming vehicle.
Safety tips: First, stay vigilant, especially on rural roads or wooded areas at dawn/dusk. Use your high-beam headlights when possible (no oncoming traffic) at night to increase your range of vision – you might catch the reflection of a deer’s eyes sooner. If you see one deer, expect more; deer often travel in groups, so chances are others are nearby. Slow down immediately and scan the shoulders of the road. Do not swerve sharply to avoid a deer. Swerving at high speed could make you lose control or veer into another car or a ditch. It’s usually safer to brake firmly and stay in your lane than to swerve. Many experts (and state safety agencies) say “Don’t veer for deer”. If a collision is truly inevitable, aim to glance the deer with your car rather than take the impact head-on – but maintaining control of the car is paramount. Always wear your seat belt (hitting a large animal is like a crash into a fixed object; you need that protection). Using deer whistles or ultrasonic devices on cars hasn’t been conclusively proven to prevent crossings – so don’t rely on those; rely on your caution and awareness. Finally, in areas with deer crossing signs, take them seriously – those signs are placed where a high number of deer incidents occur. Slow down and be ready to stop. By being proactive in deer country, you can often avoid a collision or at least impact at a slower, safer speed.
Edge-Case: What should I do if a deer jumps in front of my car?
Despite all precautions, deer sometimes suddenly leap onto the road. Here’s how to handle that situation in the moment:
Brake firmly and try to stay in your lane
Hitting the brakes will reduce the force of a collision if it happens. Unlike swerving, braking doesn’t introduce as much risk of losing control. Modern cars have anti-lock brakes (ABS) that allow you to brake hard while still steering, so press the pedal decisively.
Avoid swerving into oncoming traffic or off the road
It’s instinctual to want to swerve, but, as noted, that can result in a far worse crash. Many serious accidents happen when drivers veer to avoid an animal and instead hit a tree or another car. It’s usually better to hit the deer than to risk human life by swerving.
Honk your horn
A long blast can sometimes scare the deer and freeze it or make it retreat. (Be aware, deer are unpredictable – sometimes they may dart forward or stop; there’s no guaranteed behavior.)
If you have time to react before a likely impact, take your foot off the brake just at the moment of impact. Braking hard causes the front of your car to dip, and can make a deer more likely to fly up over the hood into the windshield. Releasing the brake can allow the front of the car to rise a bit, possibly keeping the deer from coming through your windshield. This is a very specific technique and may not always be practical in the split second of an incident.
After any collision, pull over safely as soon as you can. Turn on your hazard lights. If the deer is still in the road and could pose a hazard to other drivers, call the police or highway patrol to report it. Do not approach an injured deer – they can be dangerous in their thrashing and are better handled by authorities.
Check that your vehicle is safe to drive (look for leaking fluid, loose parts, broken lights, etc.). If not, call for a tow. This is also where having the right insurance helps; comprehensive auto insurance typically covers animal collisions – something to consider when reviewing your policy.
Remember, especially during fall: staying alert and keeping your speed in check on roads where deer are common is the best way to prevent these heart-stopping encounters in the first place.
- Back-to-School Traffic: In late summer and early fall, schools are back in session, which means school buses on the roads, kids on foot and bicycles, and parents doing drop-offs. This can cause congestion around schools during morning and afternoon, and also requires extra caution for children crossing streets.
Safety tips: If your route passes near schools, give yourself extra time due to possible delays. Obey school zone speed limits – they are usually 20 mph or less for a reason. Be prepared to stop for school buses – when the yellow lights flash, slow down, and when the red lights flash and the stop arm extends, stop at a safe distance (it’s illegal in all states to pass a school bus that’s loading/unloading children). Watch for kids who might dart across the road unexpectedly, especially near bus stops or between parked cars. Remember that children can be unpredictable and may not judge traffic well, so it’s the driver’s responsibility to be vigilant. Additionally, as afternoon daylight wanes later in fall, some after-school activities might have kids out at dusk – be watchful in those early evening hours around parks and residential areas. - Tire Pressure Drop: A minor but important note – as the weather cools in fall, tire pressure can drop (approximately 1 PSI for every 10°F drop in temperature). This means the tires you set to 35 PSI in the summer might be significantly underinflated on a chilly October morning. Underinflated tires can affect handling and fuel economy, and make a tire more susceptible to damage.
Safety tip: Check your tire pressures on cold mornings and inflate to the recommended level. Many modern cars have TPMS (tire pressure monitoring) that might trigger a warning light when the first cold snap hits – if you see that, don’t ignore it. Proper inflation is not only a safety issue but also reduces wear and tear and improves gas mileage.
As the old saying goes, “If you take care of your car, it will take care of you.” By following these summer and fall driving tips, you’re taking care of your car and yourself. Road trips in warm or cool weather can be enjoyable and memorable for the right reasons (scenery, fun) rather than the wrong ones (breakdowns, accidents). Safe driving also means having the right protection in case something does go wrong. If you have any questions about staying safe behind the wheel or about your auto insurance coverage for seasonal hazards, reach out to Insure on the Spot. We’re always here to help drivers navigate the roads safely.
Stay safe out there, and enjoy the ride!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is summer driving more dangerous than winter driving?
A: Yes. Surprisingly, summer consistently sees more crashes and roadway fatalities than winter. Nationwide statistics show that June, July, and August have a higher total number of fatal accidents than the winter months. One analysis found about 29% more people die in car crashes in summer compared to winter. This is largely because we drive more miles in summer and there are more drivers (especially teens) on the road, plus factors like vacation travel, holiday drinking, and hot weather stress on vehicles. Winter has its own risks (ice, snow), but drivers tend to be more cautious in winter, and there are fewer miles driven overall.
Q: How can I keep my car from overheating during summer drives?
A: To prevent overheating in hot weather, make sure your cooling system is in top shape (check coolant level, hoses, and radiator condition before summer starts). While driving, keep an eye on the temperature gauge. Avoid heavy stop-and-go traffic in extreme heat if you can – try to travel during cooler times of day or use routes with steady flow. Use your air conditioning wisely; if you see the temp creeping up on long uphill climbs, you might turn off the A/C temporarily to ease the load on the engine. It’s also a good idea to run the heater at full blast if you suspect overheating – it helps dissipate engine heat (though uncomfortable for passengers). Always carry extra coolant and water in your trunk. If stuck in traffic and the temp is rising, shift to neutral or park and lightly rev the engine a bit – this can spin the water pump and fan faster to cool things down. And never “ride” the brakes in traffic; that can raise engine bay temperatures – use low gear or engine braking on downgrades. If your car does overheat (steam from hood, warning light on), pull over ASAP and shut off the engine to let it cool, as described above. Regular maintenance (coolant flushes, thermostat checks) is the best preventive medicine for overheating.
Q: What can I do to reduce sun glare while driving?
A: Sun glare, especially during dawn or dusk in spring and fall, can be blinding. To cope with glare:
- Keep a pair of polarized sunglasses in your car and put them on when facing bright sunlight – they can greatly cut glare.
- Use your sun visors to block direct rays (many visors can also slide or adjust to cover part of the side window).
- Clean your windshield (inside and out) frequently. A haze or dirt on the glass will worsen glare. Also clean your dashboard – a shiny dash can reflect onto the windshield.
- Avoid storing papers or shiny objects on the dashboard. They can create additional reflections.
- If glare is a regular problem on your commute, consider taking an alternate route facing a different direction (if possible) during those peak sun angles.
- In extreme glare, slow down and increase following distance. If you truly can’t see, safely pull over for a few minutes (often the sun’s position will change enough to improve conditions, or you might wait for the sun to drop below the horizon/buildings).
- Keep your headlights on so oncoming cars can see you through the glare.
Sun glare tends to be worst in fall and winter evenings when the sun’s angle is low. Planning and these precautions will help you navigate it. Remember, glare can hide hazards – so treat it seriously and don’t overdrive your visibility.
Q: When are deer collisions most likely to happen, and how can I avoid them?
A: Deer-vehicle collisions peak in the fall, especially October through December, which is deer breeding season (rut) in most of the U.S. During these months, deer are more active and often roam beyond their usual territories looking for mates. The highest-risk time is dusk to early evening, and again around dawn, since deer move a lot at night and these are times when visibility for drivers is poor. November is particularly notorious for deer accidents in many states. To avoid hitting a deer, slow down and stay alert in areas where deer are common (woods, farmlands, suburbs near parks). Use high beams at night when there’s no oncoming traffic – you might see the reflection of a deer’s eyes sooner. If you see one deer cross, assume there are more about to follow. Don’t speed – driving slower at night gives you more reaction time. If a deer is suddenly in front of you, resist the instinct to swerve; brake firmly instead and aim to stay in control of your vehicle. Many injuries happen when drivers swerve into trees or oncoming cars, which is often worse than hitting the deer. Consider deer whistles as a possible deterrent, but don’t rely on them entirely (their effectiveness is debated). Lastly, ensure you wear your seatbelt – if a collision is unavoidable, it will protect you. And make sure you have comprehensive insurance if you live in a deer-heavy area; it typically covers wildlife collisions.
Q: Do I need winter tires in the fall season?
A: It depends on your local climate. In general, “winter” or snow tires are designed for very cold temperatures (below ~45°F) and snowy/icy conditions. In early fall, most areas are still warm enough that all-season tires are fine. However, if you live in or plan to travel to a region that sees early snowfall or consistently cold temps in late fall, you might consider putting your winter tires on before the first big freeze or snowstorm hits. All-season tires start to lose grip as temps drop into the 40s (Fahrenheit), whereas winter tires have rubber compounds that stay softer and grippier in the cold, plus tread patterns for biting into snow. Check the average first snow date in your area – many people swap to winter tires around late October or November. If fall weather in your area is mostly cool rain and leaves (and not snow/ice), good all-season tires with sufficient tread should be adequate. Just ensure your tread depth is healthy to handle wet roads (the penny test mentioned earlier – and for winter tires, many manufacturers recommend at least 5/32″ tread for effective snow performance).
Q: What should I check on my car before a long road trip in summer or fall?
A: Before a long drive, do a thorough pre-trip inspection:
- Tires: Check tread depth and air pressure (including the spare). Adjust pressures to the recommended PSI. Look for any damage or uneven wear.
- Brakes: Make sure your brakes feel solid and aren’t making noises. If it’s been a while or you notice any issues (like vibration when braking), get them inspected.
- Fluids: Top off all fluids – oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and washer fluid. If you’re close to an oil change or coolant flush interval, do it before the trip.
- Battery: Ensure the battery terminals are clean and tight. If the battery is old, get it tested so it doesn’t die on your trip.
- Belts & Hoses: Look over belts for cracks and hoses for leaks/bulges. Replace any that are questionable.
- Lights: Test all lights – headlights (high/low), tail lights, brake lights, blinkers, emergency flashers, and interior lights. It’s best to have a friend help or park in front of a reflective surface to see the front and rear at the same time.
- Wipers: If your wiper blades streak, replace them. Fill the washer fluid reservoir.
- A/C and Heat: Make sure the air conditioning can keep you cool (for summer trips). For fall trips, ensure the heater and defrosters work in case you hit cold weather.
- Emergency Kit: Have a spare tire, jack, and wrench; jumper cables; a flashlight; first aid kit; basic tools; water; and some non-perishable snacks. Also consider a portable phone charger or battery bank.
Doing this checkup a few days before your trip gives you time to fix any issues that come up. It greatly reduces the chance of an unexpected breakdown far from home. Essentially, a long trip is like a stress test on your car – make sure it’s prepared to handle it.
Having reviewed all these tips, you should feel more prepared to face the road in both summer heat and autumn weather. Safe driving is all about preparation, adaptation, and vigilance. If you have any further questions or need assistance with auto insurance to keep you protected year-round, don’t hesitate to contact Insure on the Spot at 773-202-5060. We’re happy to help ensure you have peace of mind for all your journeys. Enjoy your summer and fall drives, and stay safe!