Staying safe on the road means knowing how to drive in all weather conditions, even heavy rain. Slick pavement can cause car tires to lose their grip on the road, which can cause accidents. Learn more about how to adjust your driving habits for rainy weather with these helpful do’s and don’ts.

Do:

Check your tires before you get on the road. 

Hydroplaning occurs when there is too much water between the pavement and the car tires. Instead of gripping the road, the tires glide over the water, which makes it difficult to maneuver the vehicle. Hydroplaning is a serious risk when driving in the rain.

You can reduce the chance of an accident by ensuring your tires have adequate tread depth. Place a penny head-down into the tread of your tires. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head above the rubber, the treads are worn down and may not be safe in wet conditions. 

Brake cautiously.

You should always exercise caution when hitting your brakes during a downpour. Water makes the streets slippery. Hitting the brakes too fast could cause your vehicle to slide.

During a heavy rainstorm, keep your distance from other cars on the road so that you can brake with ease and avoid a collision. 

Don’t:

Leave your headlights off.

Even if you’re driving during the day, you should have your headlights on when it’s raining. Not only does this increase your visibility behind the wheel, but the lights also help other drivers see your vehicle.

However, you should avoid turning on your high beams because they can be blinding to oncoming drivers. 

Use cruise control.

Cruise control may be beneficial for driving long stretches of road on a clear day, but you shouldn’t use it during a storm. If your car hydroplanes and this feature is in use, the vehicle may accelerate.

It’s also dangerous to remove your foot from the pedals in this type of weather. You need to retain complete control of your car at all times, which you can’t do if you use cruise control. 

Keep your vehicle safe in the rain by heading to Hudson Tire & Battery for new car tires. This auto repair shop in Harrison, AR, has been a go-to destination for reliable auto services for more than 60 years. In addition to tire sales, the licensed mechanics can handle any job, from strut replacement to brake repair. Schedule an appointment by calling (870) 741-2740 or visit the website for more details.