Anything that can go wrong will go wrong. – Murphy’s Law

The universe can be especially cruel in the fall driving season. Hot and cold air mix to create high wind, heavy rain and other unpredictable weather patterns. Well-worn vehicles that muscled through summer travels start to show wear and tear. Traffic patterns change through school sports seasons, harvest times and holidays. And, in the middle of it all, something is bound to wrong.

Be prepared to face Murphy’s Law this fall season by following these smart driver tips:

Tune Up

The long summer season can be rough on any vehicle, so now is the perfect time to tune it up. Get a an oil change and ask your trusted mechanic to make sure everything is in good order. Or, if you’re a penny-pinching do-it-yourselfer, then be sure to check your fluids, brakes, tires, and lights.

Don’t fall victim to a roadside breakdown by neglecting your vehicle’s essential needs. Since every ride is different, it’s best to consult the owner’s manual to stay up to date on scheduled maintenance.

And, if you’ve been ignoring your check engine light for a while, then now might be a good time for a diagnostic test.

Prepare for Rain and Fog

Expect to face the rain this fall season. El Nino is kicking in, and the showers are bound to hit you no matter what region you live in. So be prepared for slick roads, slower traffic, low visibility and possibly dangerous conditions. Watch out for inexperienced or careless drivers, and set a good example by following our tips for driving during this especially wet season:

Driving Through El Nino

Don’t let the fog catch you off guard, either. Keep your windshield and headlights clean to improve visibility, and drive carefully.

Mind the Leaves

Autumn leaves are known for their beauty, but they’ve also been known to be a menace on the road. As the leaves change colors and fall to the ground, they obscure traffic lines, cover potholes and hide other road hazards. They also get slick quick when rain and morning dew wet the asphalt.

With falling leaves come seasonal leaf-peepers. Sightseers drive across the country to marvel at scenic autumn drives. This can lead to slow, distracted drivers navigating unfamiliar territory, so be prepared to deal with these out-of-towners.

Take Your Time

The best way to prepare for the worst is to give yourself plenty of time to deal with anything that comes your way. A traffic jam, detour, road hazard or other delay is no big deal if you leave the house early. Give yourself plenty of time for any excursion.