Here are some tips for safer wet weather driving. Naturally, cut your speed because visibility is decreased making it more difficult to see other vehicles, pedestrians and obstacles.
Increase your following distances since stopping distances are increased as much as two to three times on slick surfaces.
Slow down for puddles, if you cannot avoid them. You can lose control if you hit a deep puddle at too high a speed or stall the engine if you splash too much water into the engine compartment. If you have to drive through standing water, slow down, but do not brake suddenly. Turn on your windshield wipers and be prepared for loss of visibility. After driving through deep water, tap your brakes several times to dry them out after exiting the water. Then make a test stop. If the vehicle pulls to one side, pump the brakes to further dry them out. Do not resume speed until full braking power has been restored.
If you find yourself in a skid or are about to lose control, do not slam on the brakes. With anti-lock braking or ABS found on most vehicles today, apply the brakes with steady, but firm pressure. When driving during heavy rain, try to use the center lanes of the highways and away from the curbs where deeper water can collect. However, make sure you do not cross the center line and into oncoming traffic.
Driving in the rain requires more concentration, so avoid distractions like tuning the radio, eating, talking on a cell phone, or engaging in heated discussions with passengers.
Turn on your lights, but not high beams since their reflections off rain drops can reduce visibility. And while they may not help your visibility, lights, especially ones in the rear will make your vehicle more visible to other drivers. Also turn on your defroster to keep windshield clear of moisture.
If you need to slow down, tap your brake pedal several times to flash your brake lights to alert motorists behind you. If you someone is following too close, tap your brakes, or if safe slow down further so the other driver will pass you.
Hydroplaning, when your front tires actually "surf" on a film of water, can make steering ineffective. Hydroplaning can depend on the condition of your tires and can occur at speeds as low as 35 mph especially if tires have little thread left. New tires with lots of thread to "pump" out water will resist hydroplaning, but will hydroplane if you are driving fast enough. Should you start hydroplaning, take your foot off the throttle, apply brakes gently and try to firmly steer straight ahead.
Wet roads place more demands on your tires, brakes, windshield wipers and lights so make sure your vehicle is ready. Ensure your tires are properly inflated and in good condition. Both under-inflated and over-inflated tires can change the steering and handling characteristics of vehicles. The changes are magnified when driving on wet pavement to the point they can lead to loss of control. Bald tires can skid dangerously on wet and slippery roads or lead to hydroplaning. Brakes that grab or pull to one side can lead to skidding on wet surfaces, so get them repaired.
Inspect windshield wiper blades periodically in nice weather to be sure they will operate without skipping and streaking when it rains. Replace dried out, torn, and otherwise damage wiper blades. Inspect each time you wash the vehicle, or at least monthly.
Check to make sure the windshield washer is working properly and the reservoir is filled with proper washer fluid, not just plain water. Since visibility is greatly reduced in the rain, make sure all lights are working, especially tail and brake light to prevent someone from hitting you from the rear.
