Winter driving in Colorado can be tricky, but there are many things to keep in mind when hitting the road in the spring.
Weather
Don’t let the 70-degree days fool you. Denver is notorious for late-season snow storms. The second largest blizzard in the modern era happened March 17-19th 2003 when Denver received 31.8 inches! Spring storms tend to hit quickly with wet, heavy snow causing hazardous road conditions, especially at higher altitudes.
Spring hail storms can also cause significant damage. Last May we experienced one of the largest hail storms in recent memory with golf ball sized hail demolishing cars throughout the metro area. If the clouds darken and hail begins to fall, seek shelter immediately. Try to park under an overpass, in a garage or even under a tree. Small hail pellets that seem harmless can develop quickly into storms that will devastate your vehicle. Our shop was busy repairing vehicles from that storm well into the end of 2017.
Animals
Spring is a time for animals to venture down from the hills searching for additional food and water sources. Deer are especially active in spring. Please stay vigilant, especially at night when deer tend to be active. A collision with one of these animals can leave your car in shambles.
Bikes, pedestrians, and motorcycles
Spring is a time to get outside. More people are out riding bikes and motorcycles, enjoying the beautiful Colorado weather. Be extra aware, notably at intersections where bike riders tend to bend the rules. Make extra room when passing runners or bikers on the side of the road.
Pot holes and construction
It’s been said that pot holes are the state animal of Colorado. Our extreme temperature fluctuations reap havoc on the roads. Those nasty holes can do serious damage to your tires and suspension. The city is usually pretty diligent about repairing them, but it only takes one hit to ruin your day. Because of the ubiquitous pot holes, we recommend an alignment every 10K miles or once per year.
Spring is also the time for road construction to reach dizzying proportions. Road crews are busy working on roads and highways non-stop through the summer. Unexpected delays and detours can be annoying, adding time to already long commutes. Be extremely cautious when traveling through construction zones. Ignoring reduced speed limits can result in hefty fines.
If you fall victim to any of Spring’s unique hazards, we’re always here to help you recover.
