Driving in rain can be extremely nerve-wracking and dangerous, especially when it’s pouring down and your visibility is impaired. How can you navigate securely during rain? The following tips will help you to drive safely in wet conditions.
1. Defog Your Windows
Turn on your heater or defroster and defog your windows before you drive off to ensure that you can see where you are going. There are also products available on the market that will prevent fog from forming on your windows.
2. Test Your Windshield Wipers
Before you take to the road, check that your wipers are in good working order. Test all the settings to ensure that your wipers will give you the visibility you need to see where you are going.
3. Check Your Tire Pressure
If your vehicle’s tires are in good condition and inflated to the correct pressure, you will have more traction. This will lower the risk of your vehicle sliding and skidding in wet conditions.
4. Put Your Lights On
Often, rain can impair visibility on the road, especially during heavier storms. The headlights on your car will increase your visibility and make it easier for other drivers to see you.
5. Drive Slowly
The water can make driving conditions very slippery. When you drive fast on wet roads, your car can easily slide over the wet, oily road surface, and you can lose control of your vehicle. If your car hydroplanes, stay calm, immediately take your foot off the gas, and don’t steer until your car makes contact with the road again.
6. Keep a Safe Following Distance
You want to be able to have time to spot if need be. Keep plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you to assist. This will give you more time to react.
7. Don’t Brake Hard
If there is enough space between you and the car in front of you, you will have enough time to remove your foot from the accelerator to slow down without hitting the brakes hard. Hard braking can cause your car to slide on the wet road and cause a collision.
8. Avoid Outside Lanes
There are more water and big puddles in the outside lanes. Drive in the middle lane where possible to avoid running or standing water.
9. Keep Proper Space from Large Vehicles
If there is a truck or a bus in front of you, keep generous space in between you and the other vehicle. The large tires can cause more water to hit your windshield and make it difficult for you to see.
10. If You Can’t See Pull Over
If it’s raining hard and you find it difficult to see, find a safe spot to pull over and wait for the weather to improve. Trying to drive in extreme conditions is extremely dangerous and should be avoided where possible.
Be Prepared for Wet Weather and Remember Routine Maintenance
If you can, and we know it’s not always possible, try to avoid driving in wet, rainy conditions. If possible, be patient and wait until the rains stop before driving. It’s also important to keep your car maintained to ensure parts, like the brakes, tires, and more, can work optimally in inclement weather. Schedule service with DARCARS Lanham Kia, and the certified technicians can perform a complete inspection to ensure that your vehicle performs at its best in wet weather conditions.
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