While it’s best to drive on dry roads, sometimes sunny skies can turn dark and open up with bursts of rain. Driving in the rain can bring many situations that require a little extra caution to keep everyone traveling safely on the road. Plymouth Rock takes safe driving seriously. To help out, we’ve put together some tips for driving in the rain.
Wet Roads
Roads can be especially slippery after the first few minutes of rain, when oil and grease on the road mixes with water. Drive slower on wet roads and increase the distance between you and the car in front of you. It’s a good idea to at least double your following distance when the road is slippery.
Quick turns and abrupt changes in speed while driving in the rain should be avoided, as that can cause skidding.
Hydroplaning
This is what happens when tires skid or slide across wet roads. It’s the result of your tires going through more water than they can disperse. If you feel like you’re hydroplaning, take your foot off the gas pedal and only apply the brakes if you have anti-lock brakes on your car.
Keeping your tires maintained can help to avoid hydroplaning. Tires not inflated to the recommended PSI and tires that are worn out can be more susceptible to hydroplaning. Learn more about tire maintenance.
Maintaining Your Wipers
Your windshield wipers essentially have one job: keeping your windshield clear. When that doesn’t happen, it’s time to replace them. When it downpours while you’re driving, you don’t want to rely on old and brittle blades. You should change your wipers about every six to twelve months. Wipers aren’t that expensive (although some models can get pricey) and are relatively easy to replace on your own.
Take Your Time and Stay Focused
If you run into adverse weather while driving in the rain, turn on your headlights, take your time and be alert. Remember to stay focused on the road 100% of the time (in rain or shine) and refrain from cell phone usage or any other activities that divert your attention.
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