Getting behind the wheel when it's raining comes with some risks; thus, this post by James Peszko in Knightdale will guide you through a few tips to improve your safety when driving in the rain.

Driving is relaxing and enjoyable as long as the road conditions are optimal and safe; however, we are in the middle of the rainy season, which means that roads and highways are usually wet and slippery. As you may already know, driving in the rain poses some risks; therefore, the best thing to do on a rainy day is to wait for the weather to improve before taking the wheel, although such an option is not always feasible. Some people have to drive in the rain for work or to run necessary errands; therefore, it's essential to learn how to drive in the rain as safely as possible. To learn some helpful tips on how to improve your safety when driving in the rain, continue reading this post by James Peszko.

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How to Be Safer While Driving in the Rain

Keep Up With Your Vehicle Maintenance

Your vehicle should be running efficiently to handle wet, slippery roads. Here are the most important checks to consider when preparing your car for the rainy season:

• Tires: Water from rain mixes with the remains of grease and oil spilled on the road; it is then when the surface becomes slippery, thus impairing the traction of your tires; because of that, it's imperative to keep your tires in perfect condition to get the best possible grip. In addition to following the rotation, alignment, and balance schedule of your tires, be sure to inspect the tread of each of them regularly and check their air pressure at least once a month.
• Brakes: Your vehicle's brake system plays a critical role in keeping you safe on the road, which is why you should have the brake pads, discs, and brake fluid inspected according to the intervals described in your owner's manual.
• Windshield wipers: Your driving visibility is highly reliant on the condition of your windshield wipers; therefore, inspect your wiper blades periodically to ensure the rubber is free of cracks or damage. Don't forget to replace your wiper blades once a year.
• Headlights: Before driving in the rain, turn your turn signals, taillights, brake lights, and headlights on and off to ensure they work properly. If you notice that one of the headlights is emitting dim or flickering light, have the battery and bulbs checked.

Boost Your Visibility

It doesn't matter if it's a drizzle or a storm; in either case, rain can affect your visibility behind the wheel; and, consequently, your safety. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to maintain a good view of the road, here they are:

1. First, turn on your windshield wipers and set them to intermittent, low, or high speed, depending on the intensity of the rain.
2. Turn on your headlights.
3. Turn on the defroster if you notice your windshield fogging up.
4. You can turn on the air conditioner to defog windshields faster.
5. Prevent moisture from condensing on the windshields by slightly rolling down one of the vehicle's windows to let air circulate inside the car.

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Slow Down

Another way to improve your safety when driving in the rain is to slow down. Remember that tire traction is not the same on wet surfaces as on dry surfaces; therefore, it is necessary to compensate for the lack of tire grip by slowing down. The tread has more time to contact the ground at a lower speed, thus increasing your control over the car and driving safety. Ideally, you should reduce your speed by one-third; for example, if the speed limit is 55 mph on the highway, you must drive 36 mph in rainy conditions.

Increase Your Following Distance

Our following recommendation is to increase your following distance. While you should allow at least three seconds of following distance in ideal road and weather conditions, wet roads require you to broaden that space to 8 seconds. Keeping this tip in mind is very important for two reasons; the first is it helps prevent the vehicle in front of you from spraying your windshield. The second reason is that your car needs three times as much time to brake when it rains (due to reduced traction); therefore, increasing your following distance ensures that you brake safely.

If Your Vehicle Hydroplanes, Do This

Hydroplaning occurs when tires lose traction with the pavement due to water interference; when this happens, the vehicle goes out of control and skids. Fortunately, you can avoid this risk by maintaining proper tread depth in your tires; however, if your car were to skid for an unexpected reason, remember to follow the steps below:

1. Stay calm.
2. Take your foot off the gas pedal until the tires regain their grip on the surface.
3. Do not slam on the brakes because doing so could prolong or worsen the skid.
4. Keep both hands on the wheel, and steer the vehicle in the direction you want to go.

Keeping up with your vehicle's maintenance is crucial to driving in the rain safely. Contact James Peszko at (919) 618-9623 and talk to their oil specialists about their recommended formulas for your vehicle. Don't forget to browse AMSOIL's online store to place an order for the most effective synthetic oil in Knightdale.