You would think in December we would be talking about how to drive in icy conditions. But with this wet , warm weather and 4-6 inches of rain predicted by Tuesday morning, we thought this was a more timely subject.
Weatherize your car for Rain
When is the last time you changed your Windshield Wipers? If your windshield wipers are cracked or frayed, they will not perform well. Windshield wipers should be changed out every 6,000 miles or at least twice a year so that they will properly clear rain away from the windshield.
Check your tire pressure and tread- Tires with low tread are more likely to hydroplane. Also, with the dramatic change in temperature, your air pressure needs to be adjusted. Newer cars have tire pressure sensors reminding you to check that pressure.
Remember those lessons you learned in Driver’s Education? The biggest concern in rainy weather is skidding or hydroplaning. So here is our review lesson on what to do in that situation.
1. You can prevent skids by driving slowly and carefully, especially on curves. Steer and brake with a light touch. When you need to stop or slow, do not brake hard or lock the wheels and risk a skid. Maintain mild pressure on the brake pedal.
2. If you do find yourself in a skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas, and carefully steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. You must be prepared to turn the steering wheel again and again until the front of the vehicle is traveling in a straight line. For cars without anti-lock brakes, avoid using your brakes. If your car has ABS, brake firmly as you steer into the skid.
3. Avoid hydroplaning by keeping your tires inflated correctly. Maintain good tire tread. Don’t put off replacing worn tires. Slow down when roads are wet, and stay away from puddles. Try to drive in the tire tracks left by the cars in front of you.
4. If you find yourself hydroplaning, do not brake or turn suddenly. This could throw your car into a skid. Ease your foot off the gas until the car slows and you can feel the road again. If you need to brake, do it gently with light pumping actions. If your car has anti-lock brakes, then brake normally. The car’s computer will automatically pump the brakes much more effectively than a person can do.
5. A defensive driver adjusts his or her speed to the wet road conditions in time to avoid having to use any of these measures
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