Safe Driving In The Rain - Avoiding Hydroplaning & Other Hassles!

The weatherman said it would be a rainy day, but you didn't believe it. Now that you're in your car driving through the rain and seeing water everywhere, you realize just how right he was! Drenched by the downpour - the roads become a treacherous mix of oil and water. Without the proper knowledge, this can easily lead to hydroplaning – a dangerous situation where your car loses traction with the road and starts to slide.

So, before heading out into the next storm, ensure you know how to drive safely in the rain and avoid hydroplaning. Get your car ready for the next drive by taking it to a reputable car service center.

Johnson Volvo offers exceptional car maintenance services in Clegg, NC. By following our tips, you can stay safe on wet roads and get where you need to go.

1. Drive Smoothly, and Slowly

A crucial tip for driving safely in the rain is to take it slow. Sudden stops, fast turns, and quick acceleration can all lead to hydroplaning. If you need to brake, do so slowly and gently to give your tires time to grip the wet road. The same goes for turning – take corners slowly and avoid sudden movements.

2. Accelerate Gently

Another way to avoid hydroplaning is to accelerate gently when the light turns green or you're merging onto the highway. Your tires take more time to gain traction on a wet road, so it's essential not to gun the gas pedal. Ease into the accelerator and let your car build up speed gradually.

3. Avoid Puddles

Puddles can be deceiving – they may look shallow, but you never know how deep they are. Plus, puddles can hide potholes and other road hazards. If you must drive through a puddle, do so slowly to avoid splashing water onto other cars or pedestrians.

4. Use Your Lights

Ensure your headlights and taillights are turned on so other drivers can see you, and use windshield wipers to keep your vision clear. If your wipers aren't doing an excellent job keeping the rain off your windshield, replace them. You may also want to invest in rain-repellent for your windshield to help improve visibility.

5. Avoid Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning happens your tires lose contact with the pavement because they're riding on a film of water - a condition often exacerbated by worn treads. It can have you lose control of your vehicle, so it's essential to avoid treading on tread-worn tires.

To lower the risk of skidding, slow down when driving in heavy rain and avoid puddles. If you feel your car start to veer off course, ease off the gas pedal and don't brake suddenly.

Driving in heavy rain can be dangerous, but if you take the necessary precautions, you can stay safe on the road. Slow down, avoid puddles, and be prepared for the worst. With these crucial tips, you can make it through even the heaviest downpour.

Johnson Volvo, serving Clegg, NC, is one of the leading car service centers and dealerships where you can get top car maintenance services to prepare for the rainy season.

Schedule a service today!