Richard van Nood knows a thing or two about driving. He opened Driver’s Edge Driver Training in Haliburton County in 1990 and has been teaching the skill for 35 years.
He is asked about driving in spring.
“In the spring, in the fall as well, is probably the trickier time,” he says. In winter, he said drivers know what to expect, and adjust accordingly.
“But when you are in the spring or the fall, you get those changing temperatures. I always say you have to look at the roads. If they’re nice and white, especially in the spring, that’s nice dry salt on the roads. If they look dark, and if the temperatures are hovering around freezing going into that shaded area; everybody goes ‘oh, black ice.’ It’s invisible but it’s not unpredictable.”
He said with every vehicle now having a thermometer, drivers should be aware of temperatures.
“As soon as it comes close to the freezing temperatures, it warns you the roads might be slippery. There’s not much more to adjusting your driving.”
However, he advises people to clean their vehicles well in spring. “Especially when you get loads of salt that’s accumulated. I’ll spend more time in the spring washing the underside of my car, than the top side.” Otherwise, he said “everything just rusts faster.”
He also recommends getting the vehicle oil sprayed before winter.
The long-time driving instructor added people often ask him why there seems to be so many burned out headlights in winter and spring.
“It’s just that time of year. If lightbulbs are on their last legs, turning them on when it’s -15 and all that sudden heat (burns them out).”
Asked about driving tips, he offers some for younger drivers in particular.
“Don’t get too quick and carefree. I see it in the spring around the high school. As soon as the weather starts getting nice, they start going nuts. They come out of that parking lot, and they’re leaving black streaks down the road.”
Other spring car care tips:
• Wash your car: Spring is a great time to wash away winter grime, road salt, and debris that can cause corrosion.
• Inspect wiper blades: Check for wear and tear, and replace them if they’re streaking or juddering.
• Check tire pressure and rotate tires: Ensure tires are properly inflated and consider rotating them to even out wear.
• Check lights: Ensure all headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are functioning correctly.
• Check fluids: Top off engine coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
• Oil change: Change your oil and filter, especially if you’ve been driving through winter conditions.
• Inspect belts and hoses: Check for cracks, leaks, or damage to belts and hoses.
• Check battery: Test your battery’s condition and ensure terminals are clean and tight.
• Inspect brakes: Listen for any grinding, squealing, or clanking noises, and have your brakes inspected if necessary.
• Check air filters: Replace the engine air filter and cabin air filter if they are dirty or old.
• Spring clean the interior: Vacuum carpets, clean seats, wipe down the dashboard and console, and clean the windows.
• Check A/C: Before the weather gets too hot, make sure your air conditioning system is working properly.
