Tips for Driving in Heavy Rain
Check The Tread On Your Tires
Before you even start driving, give your tires a quick once-over to see how the tread is holding up. The deeper the tread, the better chance your tires will have at retaining traction on the roads. If the tread is worn down, the extra water on the road has nowhere to go except under your tires, which can cause you to hydroplane.
Turn On Your Headlights
Here's another thing you should do before you even pull out of your driveway: turn on your headlights. Even if you're driving in daylight, rainfall can severely decrease your (and other drivers') visibility. Make sure other drivers can see you by turning on your lights.
DON'T Use Cruise Control
Cruise control is a wonderful feature when driving on long, dry roads, but it can be hazardous when used in wet conditions. When the roads are slick, the driver must be completely engaged and ready to proactively react to each new situation (for example, lifting off the accelerator while driving through a deep puddle). When cruise control is engaged, the driver cannot react as quickly and the car may not slow down when necessary, which can increase the chance of hydroplaning.
Leave Plenty Of Room Between Vehicles
Just like winter, rainy driving conditions require extra preventative measures. Since every driver is at risk for losing control of his/her vehicle at any given moment, it's important to leave extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
Begin Breaking Early
Braking hard on wet roads can cause your vehicle to either skid or hydroplane. In order to retain control of your vehicle, then, it's important to begin braking ahead of time so you can come to a slow, gradual stop. This will also give the drivers behind you the time they need to slow their own vehicles and avoid running into you.
Stay Calm
Finally, it is crucial that you remain calm and collected while driving your car in rainy conditions. Panicking can cause you to overreact, which will only add to the problem. If you feel your car beginning to skid, do not slam on the brakes. If your vehicle has antilock brakes, simply apply steady, even pressure to the brake pedal and continue steering in the direction you want your car to go. If your car does not have antilock brakes, then it will be up to you to gently pump the brake pedal in order to slowly reduce your speed.
Stay Safe, Everyone!
Heavy rainfall can be hard on cars. If you need new tires or new windshield wipers, come by the our vehicle service deparment in Camdenton, MO. We have the experience and the tools you need to give yourself an advantage over the rainy driving weather.
The Team at Hulett Chevrolet Buick GMC513 N. Business Route 5
Camdenton, MO 65020
www.ShopHulett.com
Sales: 573.317.4197
Service: 573.317.4195
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