With thunderstorms rolling into the Cumberland area this weekend, our local roads are going to get slick. Whether you’re commuting in a nimble crossover like a Hyundai Venue or hauling gear in a Nissan Frontier, driving in a downpour requires a different approach than a sunny afternoon cruise.
Before the skies open up, here is what you need to know to keep your vehicle (and your family) safe on wet roads.
1. Prep Your Ride Before the Storm
Your safety in the rain actually starts in your driveway. Making sure your vehicle is equipped to handle water is half the battle.
Check your tire tread and pressure: Your tires are your only contact with the road. Bald tires can't channel water away, which dramatically increases your risk of sliding. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread.
Inspect your wiper blades: If your wipers are leaving streaks, skipping, or chattering across the glass, replace them immediately. You cannot react to what you cannot see.
Verify your lights: Ensure your headlights, tail lights, and brake lights are all functioning. In Maryland, like many states, it's legally required to have your headlights on anytime your wipers are running.
2. Adjust Your Driving Strategy
Once the rain starts, you need to adjust your driving style. The first 10 to 15 minutes of a storm are actually the most dangerous, as the water mixes with accumulated oil and dust to create a slick film on the asphalt.
Slow down and back off: Speed limits are designed for ideal, dry conditions. Reduce your speed to at least 4 to 5 seconds and double your following distance. Wet roads drastically increase your stopping distance.
Ditch the cruise control: While cruise control is great for dry highway stretches, it's dangerous in the rain. If you hit standing water, your vehicle may try to accelerate to maintain its set speed, which can instantly cause you to lose control.
Rely on manual control: Heavy rain can sometimes interfere with or confuse automated vehicle safety sensors. If you're someone who already prefers a standard, manual driving experience with features like active lane assistance turned off, you know the drill: stay hands-on, keep both eyes on the road, and maintain full active control of the vehicle.
3. How to Handle Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning happens when a layer of water builds up between your tires and the road, causing your vehicle to essentially float and lose traction. If your steering suddenly feels light or the car starts to drift:
Do not panic and do not slam on the brakes. Sudden braking will lock the wheels and cause a skid.
Ease off the accelerator to let the vehicle slow down naturally until you feel the tires grip the road again.
Ease off the accelerator to let the vehicle slow down naturally until you feel the tires grip the road again.
Steer gently in the direction you want to go.
Need to get storm-ready?
Don't wait until you're caught in a downpour with bad wipers or worn tires. Stop by our service center today, and our technicians will make sure your vehicle is ready to handle whatever the forecast throws our way!