Useful Tips for Driving in the Rain in the Alcoa Mayville area

How to Make Driving in the Rain Safer

Every year in the United States, rain accounts for 46 percent of weather-related traffic crashes. Driving in the rain should not be treated as just another day, it should be handled with caution and preparedness. By being proactive and following these five tips, you can keep yourself, your passengers, and other drivers safe on the roads even in unsuitable conditions.

1. Maintain Your Vehicle’s Tires:Tire pressure has a large impact on a vehicle’s performance, specifically in the rain. You want your tires to perform their best during wet weather, so you should set your tires to the recommended air pressure (found in the owner’s manual). You should also have regular alignments and rotations scheduled to keep the tread from wearing unevenly. You don’t want to find out your tread is worn down when you’re cruising down a slippery road.
2. Inspect Your Wiper Blades: Another key to staying safe while driving in the rain is having intact windshield wipers. Keeping up with their maintenance can mean a light and day difference. If they’re squeaking, chattering, skipping, or streaking, they can greatly reduce a driver’s visibility, and it’s best to replace them. The general rule of thumb is to replace your windshield wipers every six months.
3. Use Your Headlights: Rain not only obstructs your view but also the view of the other drivers. Whether it’s day or night, using your headlights can help you and others see. In Tennessee, drivers are required to use their headlights when visibility is low. Don’t get a ticket – turn on your headlights.
4. Avoid Standing Water: Standing water greatly increases your chances of hydroplaning, so it’s best to just avoid it altogether. If you can’t avoid it for traffic reasons, slow down greatly to avoid hydroplaning.
5. Keep Extra Distance Between You and Others: Keeping extra driving distance between you and other vehicles can greatly decrease the chances of a collision. Hard braking in the rain can cause your car to skip, as the tread cannot grip the roadways as well. And if you end up needing to make an evasive maneuver, the extra distance can make a great difference.

Visit Us at Rusty Wallace Kia Alcoa

For all your preventative routine maintenance or for more tips on driving in the rain, trust Rusty Wallace Kia Alcoa. Here for all of your automotive needs, our team of experts want you and your vehicle to go unharmed when traveling during wet weather. Give us a call or schedule an appointment to address all of your vehicle’s needs. We’ll see you soon.