RETIRED – Top Tips for Driving in Heavy Rain

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t enjoy driving in the rain. However, it’s important to be prepared for bad weather conditions when they do occur. Here are some tips from Preston Hood Chevrolet on how to drive in heavy rain. Keep these tips in mind the next time you have to venture out into wet weather!

1. Slow Down and Allow Extra Space

It’s always a good idea to maintain a safe driving distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Take your foot off the gas pedal and allow yourself extra time to brake. You’ve probably heard of the four-second rule, but it’s even more imperative with a rainstorm. Wet conditions make it harder to stop quickly, which puts you at risk of an accident. When it comes to speed, try to reduce it by at least 20 percent. Taking your time is essential, especially on a crowded highway.

2. Use Your Low-Beam Headlights

You should have your headlights on whenever it’s raining outside. However, you might be tempted to turn on your high beams thinking that you’ll be able to see better. In rainy weather, you should only use your low-beam headlights. Turning on your brights could put other drivers at risk and they don’t necessarily improve your visibility. Also, it’s not required to use your hazard lights if you’re driving because it causes more of a distraction.

3. Don’t Use Cruise Control

You might be tempted to use cruise control to help you maintain a steady speed while driving in the rain. However, this can actually be dangerous. If you hit a patch of water on the road, your vehicle could hydroplane. This could cause you to lose control of your vehicle and possibly crash. So, it’s best to avoid using cruise control when driving in wet weather conditions. If you do happen to hydroplane, don’t panic. Take your foot off the gas pedal and steer in the direction you want to go. Once you regain traction, slowly accelerate, and continue on your way.

4. Use Extra Caution with Other Drivers

With the heavy rain, it’s likely there will be an increase in traffic flow. You’ll need to utilize an extra layer of caution, especially for large trucks on crowded highways. Not only do you have to keep your distance, but practicing safe driving habits is crucial. Make it a point to stay off phone calls and texting or get distracted by loud music.

5. Check Your Tires

As we embark on the spring season, getting your tires checked should be at the top of your maintenance checklist. Make sure your tires have enough tread before driving in heavy rain. If your tires are bald, they won’t be able to grip the road either. Secondly, don’t ignore your tire pressure monitoring system if pressure is too low.

6. Replace Windshield Wipers

Old windshield wipers won’t work well to maintain clear vision in a downpour. Unfortunately, windshield wipers are one of the most overlooked parts of vehicle maintenance. However, with a quick check from our service team, we can get your car’s wipers replaced with quality ones that keep you safe on the road.

7. Keep Your Windows Clear

It’s not uncommon for windows to fog up because of the increased humidity levels spring often brings. One excellent way to keep your windows clear is to turn on your air conditioner and roll your windows down a couple of inches. If you’re getting ready to leave for work in the early morning, always take a couple of minutes to get your car ready to drive.

8. Avoid Sitting Water

It’s also important to avoid sitting water on the road. This can be difficult, especially if you can’t see the depth of the water. However, it’s important to remember that just a few inches of water can cause your vehicle to lose traction and possibly hydroplane. So, if you can’t see the bottom of the puddle, it’s best to avoid it altogether.

9. Stay Home If Possible

Disastrous weather can occur within just minutes. It’s not possible to predict the weather all the time, but stay at home and wait for better conditions if at all possible. Choosing to hold out 15-20 minutes can make your trip a lot safer. It’s never worth risking your life, especially if wherever you need to be isn’t that pressing.

10. Service Your Vehicle with Preston Hood Chevrolet

One of the best ways to prepare for driving in heavy rain is to make sure your vehicle is in good working condition. This means having regular maintenance and service appointments. Our team at Preston Hood Chevrolet takes care of all the necessary service requests to give you peace of mind heading out in rainy weather.