Driving On Wet Roads – Tips For Rainy Days!

The weatherman says it’s going to rain all day, and you know what that means — your morning commute will get a little bit slicker. You could hydroplane, your car might break down, or worse, you may get into an accident.

So, follow these safety tips for driving in the rain to maintain control of your vehicle and arrive at your destination safely.

1. Better Slow than Fast:

We just gave you a mantra to live by when driving in the rain. Slower speeds mean better traction and shorter stopping distances, which are crucial to staying safe on slick roads. Ease your foot on the gas and allow yourself extra time to brake. It’ll also improve your visibility — driving too fast makes it harder to see through rain-splattered windshields.

2. Keep Your Distance:

Tailgating is one of the driving habits that all the other drivers hate. But, that’s not only it! When the roads are wet, and there’s low visibility, it becomes even more dangerous. Maintain a safe following distance between you and the car ahead of you. The general rule is to leave at least a four-second cushion between you and another vehicle.

3. Be Cautious of Large Vehicles:

Trucks, buses, and vans have a lot of mass. That means it takes them longer to stop on wet roads. They also have larger blind spots. So, you must be extra cautious when driving around them in the rain. We also recommend avoiding driving behind them if possible.

4. Keep Your Windshields Clean:

You need to have a clear view of the road as you’re driving in the rain. That means keeping your windshields clean inside and out. Your windshields and windows will turn foggy quickly in the rain. So, ensure you have a good windshield cleaning solution and plenty of paper towels. You can also turn the air conditioning to help clear up the fog.

5. Check Your Tires:

Hydroplaning is hazardous when driving in the rain. That’s why having good tires with plenty of tread on them is crucial. If you’re unsure if your tires are up to the task, take them to a professional to have them checked out. Also, request the tire pressure be checked as well. Low tire pressure can cause hydroplaning as well.

6. Avoid Driving on Road Sides:

The roads will probably be pretty slick, so you don’t want to drive too close to the shoulder. If you hydroplane and end up on the shoulder, you could end up in a ditch or worse. So, keep enough room to maneuver and stay in the middle of the road. Another reason for avoiding sides is that water accumulates there. If it enters your engine, it could cause some severe damage.

7. Know Where You’re Going:

This one’s a less talked about safety tip for driving in the rain, but it’s still crucial. If you don’t know where you’re going, you could end up driving in circles or, worse, getting lost. Moreover, rain can damage pavement and make it difficult to see road markings. So, staying home or delaying your trip is best if you don’t know an area well.

Conclusion:

The above safety tips for driving in the rain are only as good as your driving habits. Don’t let the rain stop you from being your best driver. And if you need to get your tires serviced or your windshield wipers replaced, make sure to do so before the next rainstorm.

At Cutter Buick GMC, serving Waipahu, HI, we can help ensure your car is ready for the rain. Drive in today or schedule a service appointment online.

Drive safely!