Fall Driving in the Pacific Northwest: 5 Road Hazards That'll Keep Your Car on Its Toes
Fall is beautiful in the Pacific Northwest—those golden trees, crisp mornings, that cozy vibe. But let's be real: autumn also brings a whole new set of driving challenges that can catch you off guard. If you're cruising around SE Portland, Woodstock, Happy Valley, or anywhere in the region, it's time to get your car (and your driving) ready for what Mother Nature's got planned!
We've seen plenty of cars roll into our shop with autumn-related issues, so we figured it was time to break down the top 5 road hazards you'll face this fall. Because a little knowledge goes a long way when it comes to keeping your ride safe!
1. Wet Leaves: Nature's Slippery Traction Trap
Here's the thing about those gorgeous fallen leaves covering the road—they're basically nature's ice rink. When leaves get wet (and in Portland, they're almost always wet), they create a slick layer that your tires can't grip. You're not sliding on ice, but your traction sure feels like it.
This is especially dangerous on curves and hills. You hit the brakes thinking you've got your usual stopping power, and suddenly your car's not listening as well as you'd hoped. It's a false sense of security that catches a lot of drivers off guard.
Pro tip: Assume there's less grip than you think. Slow down on leaf-covered roads, increase your following distance, and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns. And if your tires are worn, this is the time to think about new ones.
2. Hydroplaning: When Your Tires Lose the Plot Entirely
Hydroplaning happens when water builds up between your tire and the road surface, and your tires literally lose contact with the pavement. You're basically driving on a thin layer of water instead of actual road—and you have way less control than you think.
In the PNW, we get serious rain in the fall. Combine heavy rain with worn tire tread, and you've got a recipe for hydroplaning. It can happen suddenly, and it feels unsettling—your steering feels light, your car might drift, and you realize you're not in control anymore.
What helps: Make sure your tires have good tread depth (at least 4/32 of an inch is the legal minimum, but 6/32 is safer for wet conditions). Slow down when it's raining hard. Avoid puddles and standing water when you can. And if you do start to hydroplane, stay calm, ease off the gas, and let your car slow down naturally—don't slam on the brakes!
3. Debris and Fallen Branches: The Road Obstacles You Don't See Coming
Fall storms and wind mean branches are coming down everywhere. Sometimes they're small enough to roll over, but sometimes they're not. Debris on the road can damage your undercarriage, puncture tires, or knock something loose that you won't notice until later.
We've had customers come in with broken suspension components or busted oil pans from hitting hidden debris. The annoying part? Sometimes you don't even realize you hit something hard until your car starts making weird noises days later.
Watch for: Large branches, fallen tree limbs, and debris scattered across the road, especially on side streets and less-traveled roads. Take it slow through areas where storms have knocked things down. If you hit something substantial, it's worth getting an inspection to make sure nothing's broken underneath.
4. Early Morning Frost and Black Ice
While full-on winter ice might not hit until later, early fall mornings in the PNW can get cold enough for frost—and in some cases, black ice on bridges and overpasses. Black ice is that nearly invisible layer of ice that forms on pavement, and it's sneaky because you can't see it coming.
Your car might feel fine one second, and the next second it's sliding. Bridge surfaces freeze before regular road surfaces, so those are danger zones on chilly fall mornings.
Stay alert: On cold mornings, assume bridges and overpasses might be icy. Take it easy on those sections. If you feel your car slide, don't panic—ease off the gas and steer gently in the direction you want to go.
5. Reduced Visibility: Fog, Rain, and Shorter Days
Fall fog in Portland is no joke. Add in the shorter days and earlier darkness, plus heavy rain that reduces visibility even further, and you've got conditions where other drivers might not see you—and you might not see them.
Reduced visibility also means you need good brakes. You've got less time to react, so your braking system needs to be in top shape.
Make it work for you: Use your headlights even during the day when visibility is poor. Clean your windows and mirrors regularly so you can see as much as possible. Make sure your brake lights work (get someone to check them), and keep some extra distance between you and other cars. If your brakes feel spongy, soft, or like they're not stopping you as quickly as they used to, that's a sign something needs attention.
Heading Into Fall: A Quick Checklist
Tires: Check your tread depth and consider switching to all-season or winter tires.
Brakes: Make sure your brake pads have plenty of life left. Fall is a great time for an inspection.
Wipers: Replace them if they're streaking or skipping.
Fluids: Top off your windshield washer fluid (you'll need it).
Battery: Cold weather is coming, and batteries work harder in cold temps. Make sure yours is in good shape.
Lights: Check that all your headlights, taillights, and brake lights are working.
The Pacific Northwest Fall is beautiful, but it demands respect on the road. Stay alert, drive defensively, and take care of your car. Your ride will thank you, and you'll make it through autumn without any unwanted surprises!
As always, if you have any questions about your car you can call us at 503.477.2976! Or stop by the shop! We’re located at 6441 SE 82nd Ave. in Portland, OR.
Stay safe out there, Portland!
