Driving in wet weather can be a hassle – and potentially dangerous. It’s important that you and your car are prepared for wet and rainy conditions. With these tips from Goodyear and Blain’s Farm & Fleet, you can have peace of mind on the road.
Check Tire Tread Depth – Before you hit the road, check the tread depth of your tires. You need plenty of tread to keep your car moving safely when there’s standing water on the road. There are a few different ways you can check your tire tread depth right at home – read through our how-to to get started.
Check Tire Pressure – If tire pressure is too low or too high it can lead to reduced traction, tire failure or premature tread wear. Regularly check your tire pressure (Goodyear recommends at least once a month) to make sure they’re properly inflated. Learn how to easily check your tire pressure with our how-to guide.
Check Windshield Wipers – Windshield wipers keep your sight clear when you’re on the road. Check your wiper blades for wear and tear – if they leave streaks on your window, it’s time to replace them.
Check Headlights and Taillights – Taillights and headlights are needed not only for you to see, but so other drivers can see you. Make sure all of your lights are in working order for the road. In wet weather, you need to use the full headlight and not just the Daytime Running Lights (DRLs). If you only use your DRLs, your taillights don’t come on which can make it harder for rear traffic to see you.
There are a few tips to keep in mind once you’re actually out on the road.
Clear Up Foggy Windows – If your windows start fogging up, use the air conditioner to dehumidify the air inside your car. If your vehicle doesn’t have air conditioning, open up the rear windows to help circulate the air.
Keep Your Distance – When you’re driving in wet weather, it’s important to keep your distance from cars in front of you. Braking distances can double and there’s less traction, so you’ll need plenty of room for sudden stops on the road. Plus, you’ll have better visibility because the tire spray from cars in front of you will be further away.
Keep Control – Look further up the road and keep the ride as smooth as possible. Rushed or jerky steering can cause you to lose control of your vehicle on a wet road.
Using these safety checks and driving tips, you can stay safer on the road. For more tips on tires, vehicle checks and all things automotive, visit the Blain’s Farm & Fleet Automotive blog.
