8 Expert Tips For Wet Road Driving
Driving in the rain is an everyday occurrence and can be dangerous; in fact thousands of car accidents are caused by wet driving conditions. It can be tough to keep control of your vehicle when roadways are wet, but these tips can help you stay safer. We want you to have 8 simple tips to help you navigate those wet roads.
8 Expert Tips for Driving on Wet Roads
1. Routinely check your tires
It’s a good idea to always check your tires before you hit the road. To ensure your tires are working at their best keep your tires properly inflated, and have your tires rotated at least every 6,000 - 7,000 miles.
2. Check tire tread depth
No tire can provide good wet traction once the tread is worn below 2/32 of an inch tread depth. Check your tires regularly and replace them at the proper time. Maintain tire pressures for the optimal grip & traction in all weather conditions.
3. Slow Down
As rain falls, it mixes with grime and oil on the road creating slick conditions. The best way to avoid skidding is to slow down. Driving at a slower pace allows more of the tire's tread to contact the road, leading to better traction.
4. Choose your tires carefully
Too many drivers buy tires based on initial price or appearance. For optimum performance in rain, select a tire with tread design and rubber compounds that provide enhanced wet weather driving capabilities.
5. Keep a safe distance
It takes about three times longer to brake on wet roads than it does on dry roads. Since more distance is required to brake, it is important not to tailgate. Keep more than two car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you.
6. Never use cruise control in wet conditions
Using cruise control during wet weather can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Drivers may need to reduce speed by easing off the accelerator to prevent traction loss, but this is not possible when using cruise control.
7. Avoid hard braking
Use your brakes as little as possible, taking special care to avoid hard braking if you can. Slow down, give others room, and take your foot off the accelerator fast enough so that you won’t have to slam on the brakes.
8. Lights & wipers on
In most states, it's required by law. It may not help you see, but it will help other drivers see you. Check your wiper blade condition and clean them regularly. Install new wiper blades as needed to ensure good visibility.
Overall, you want to be extra cautious in wet weather. Slow down, avoid hard braking or turning sharply and allow ample stopping distance between you and the cars in front of you. Also, do these things one at a time. Brake, then turn, then accelerate.
