Tips for Driving in the Rain
Tips for Driving in the Rain
Get your Vehicle ready for the rain at Three Rivers DCJR
Wet and rainy road conditions are some of the worst conditions for drivers to travel in. The hazards and risks to your safety and the safety of your vehicle are elevated when it starts raining or even when the roads are still wet from a torrential downpour. While many drivers will slow down as it's their only available safety precaution when it starts to rain, there are several other techniques and considerations that drivers need to be aware of when they are traveling in a downpour. While we don't want to be a downer, heavy downpours can be dangerous, which is why we here at Three Rivers CDJR have created some tips for you to follow the next time you're caught in a rainstorm.
Drive a Vehicle in Good Condition
When the raindrops limit your visibility, it's essential to ensure that your vehicle is in solid working condition so your sight isn't impeded. Once a month, be sure to clean the insides and the outsides of your car and check and replace your windshield wipers if they show signs of wear and tear. You should also check out the levels of your washer fluid once a week. We also recommend doing a quick check of your headlights, taillights and turn signals before getting behind the wheel in the rain. Remember rain or no rain, not having working turn signals is a hazard, and it's ticketable.
Become Familiar with the Roads
Most roads are built to withstand all of the different weather conditions, but if you're new to the area, you need to make sure that your practicing extra caution during or after a massive rainstorm. If you are traveling outside of Pennsylvania, you need to keep in mind that some asphalt roads aren't as compressed, which means it can rain, and the streets can look dry when they're not. Your vehicle will squeegee up the water that has been caught in the cracks of the road, and your tires can become wet and slick without your realizing it. Take a moment to check your route, too. If it takes you through a low-lying bridge underpass or by ditches that are prone to flooding, you might want to take the freeway.
Turn on your Lights
Many newer vehicles come with automatic headlights, be sure that your headlights are turned on when your using your windshield wipers. That way, your taillights come on as well. Keep in mind that when your headlights are turned on, it's so others can see you, and when your headlights and taillights are on, all four corners of your vehicle are covered. Don't, however, flip on your brights. The brighter the lights are, the more they will reflect off the wet road surface, bouncing back not only into your eyes but the eyes of other drivers.
Reduce your Speed
You're going to want to leave at least five seconds of distance between you and the other vehicles in front of you. Never feel pressured to drive the posted speed limit in the rain, as the maximum speed posted is for use during perfect weather and road conditions. If the road is too wet, that speed limit might be too quick for the present road conditions. If other drivers are not a fan of this, they can pass you! You should also never use cruise control on wet roads because when you have cruise control when hydroplaning, it might cause you to lose control of the vehicle when your tires regain traction.
Don't go on Unnessacary Road Trips
While you might find yourself caught in the rain when you need to get home, but you need to ask yourself if you are equipped to handle this type of weather at this very minute. If you see that bad weather is in the forecast, you might want to stay off the roads. Do you own a small business? Well, if you're in a flood-prone area and there is a ton of precipitation on the roadway, you might want to think about making arrangements for your employees so they can work at home, so they don't have to worry about driving through flooded areas.
Get your Vehicle Ready for the Rain here at Three Rivers CDJR
Before you test your mettle in the rain, you're going to want to make sure that your vehicle is up to snuff. Here at Three Rivers CDJR, our experts will go over every inch of your vehicle to make sure it is prepared for those torrential downpours. We are more than happy to replace your windshield wipers, change your oil, and top off your fluids. We can even prepare more extensive repairs if your vehicle needs them. You can make an appointment here at our dealership or right on our website. We look forward to working on your vehicle here at Three Rivers CDJR.
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