Do you hate driving in the rain? If so, then read on to find out how to do it safely.
At Hansma Automotive, we have over 25 years of experience in the automotive repair industry and we'd love to share our expertise with you.
We will take a look at the top tips to keep you safe when you are driving in the rain. So let's get started.
Discover helpful tips for driving in the rain
How to Stay Safe When Driving in the Rain
Driving in the rain, especially when there is a heavy downpour or if you are driving at night, can be just as dangerous as driving on icy or snowy roads. Here are some great tips that will help you stay safe driving in the rain.
Reduce Your Speed:
This is probably the number one thing that you can do to stay safe while driving in the rain. When you are driving at a slower speed, then you will have more time to react if a nearby car loses control or if you come across a huge puddle.
Regardless of the posted speed limit, you should always adjust your speed down to match the current weather conditions and to a level that you feel comfortable with. To avoid the temptation to go faster, make sure you allow yourself extra travel time if you know you will be driving in the rain, so you don't have to rush.
Understand that the Road May Be Extra Slippery:
If the weather has been dry for a while, then it could have accumulated a build-up of engine oil and grease. When it rains, this build-up combined with water will make the roads incredibly slick so be prepared for slippery conditions.
Roads can become slick when it rains after a long dry spell
Be Prepared for Hydroplaning:
When you are driving in the rain and the road is covered in water, there is the very real possibility of hyrdroplaning. When you are hydroplaning, your tires are no longer in contact or has very little contact with the surface of the road, but instead they are "surfing" on top of the water.
This means that you won't have the same kind of control of your vehicle. It can be quite scary when this happen, however the best thing that you can do is to stay calm and don't make any sudden movements.
Take your foot off the gas and steer where you want to go. Don't slam on the brakes and only gently apply your brakes once you feel your vehicle is in contact with the pavement again. The following video clearly demonstrates what you need to do if you are hydroplaning.
Learn what to do if you start to hydroplane
Stay Close to the Middle Line:
In Canada, most of our roads are constructed to be slightly higher in the centre with a gentle slope down on either side. This is to allow water to run off of the roads. Because of this the water is usually deeper on the sides of the road. If there are two lanes, then try to drive in the lane closer to the middle of the road to avoid puddles.
Avoid Large Puddles:
If you encounter a large puddle, if possible try to safely go around it or turn around and go a different way. It's hard to tell how deep a puddle is just by looking at it. It may be concealing a deep pothole that could damage your vehicle.
Also, if you go through it, you could be risking splashing water up into your car's electrical system and fault or short-circuit your sensitive electronics or processors. In addition, if water gets through your door seals into your vehicle, it could eventually form mould and make your car smell very unpleasant.
Try to avoid large puddles when driving in the rain
Keep Your Brakes Dry:
Remember that wet brakes won't work as well as dry ones, so if you are driving in the rain and you go through a large puddle, then it is a good idea to gently tap your brakes. This action will add heat to your rotors and will help to remove the water and dry your rotors. Some cars will automatically touch the brake pads to the rotors to remove the water.
Keep Your Headlights on:
If your car doesn't automatically turn your lights on, then you should turn them on when you are driving in the rain. This will enable other drivers to see you better. However, don't use your high beams. The stronger light will bounce off the rain droplets and be a distraction to you.
Strong lights can bounce off the raindrops and be very distracting
Turn on Your Window Defrosters:
Often your windshield will fog up when you are driving in the rain. It is a good idea to turn on your window defroster/defogger so that you can clear away the fog and ensure that you have better visibility.
Stay Back from Buses and Large Trucks:
Larger vehicles like buses and trucks will produce an incredible amount of spray that will block your vision. Stay back as far as you can from these vehicles and don't try to pass them If you have to pass them, do it as fast as you safely can.
Pull Over if It's Impossible to See:
If you are in a really bad downpour and your visibility is zero, you should pull over at a safe spot until it has cleared. Make sure that you turn on your hazards while you are waiting so that other motorists will know where you are.
If you can’t see properly when driving in the rain, pull over
Keep Your Vehicle Well-Maintained:
A well-maintained vehicle is one of your best defenses when you are driving in the rain. Always make sure that your tires are properly inflated and that they have lots of tread.
Both under inflated and overinflated tires can be dangerous so make sure they are at the right pressure. You should check your tire pressure at least once a month to avoid a blowout.
You should also replace your wipers when they start to wear out to make sure that they are working properly when you are driving in the rain and you should make sure that your defogger is working well.
Make sure your wipers are in good shape
You Can Trust Hansma to Keep your car well maintained
If you live in the Kitchener-Waterloo region and you want to make sure that your car is always well-maintained, Hansma Automotive can help. You can trust Hansma with all of your car maintenance and repairs.
As a Tech-Net professional auto repair facility, Hansma Automotive is committed to serving you, our customer, with professional auto service repair at a reasonable cost.
We use quality CARQUEST auto parts, guaranteed coast to coast. We stand on sound business principles and uphold high ethical standards. Our goal is to make your automotive repair experience friendly and successful.
By providing good, old-fashioned customer service over the years, Hansma Automotive has gained a loyal following in the community.
Many hundreds of area residents have come to depend on our team, rely on the technical expertise of our friendly staff to keep their family vehicles in peak running condition. We are conveniently located at 88 Shoemaker St., Kitchener, ON, N2E 3G4. Book an appointment now.
"Great place, friendly staff and the only place I trust my car with now. I highly recommend this place. Trustworthy"
- Arash Tehrani