Scared of driving in the rain? Honda of Thousand Oaks at the Used Car Ventura lot and Used Truck Ventura team has compiled this list of summer driving advice for rainy situations.
As with most vehicle problems, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of the cure. The best way to avoid an incident on a wet road is to make sure the vehicle is safe for the trip.
Keep a close eye on your tire pressure. All four tires should be equally inflated to the appropriate levels. First, keep the tire pressure at the factory recommended levels and make sure each tire has identical pressure. Even one pound of pressure difference can have a significant effect on steering and stopping in atrocious conditions. Change any tire that is wearing thin or losing tread on the edges.
If handling is still a concern, have the brakes, rear end, and suspension scanned by a certified mechanic. These systems work together to create a smooth and predictable ride. If there are any issues on dry roads, know that they will be worsened on a rainy day.
A good set of windshield wiper blades is an uncomplicated way to ensure safe driving in ugly weather. High-end blades are excellent if money is no object, but new OEM blades are a major improvement over dull blades. A chemical treatment like Rain-X is a great additional measure to keep a clear view of the road no matter what the conditions.
Finally double-check that all of the blinkers, lights and brake lights are operative. Bulbs are cheap, so replace them in pairs for piece of mind driving. Scuffed lenses can be treated with a slew of products available from any auto parts store, and rubbing compound works well in a pinch to clear-up old lenses.
Once the vehicle is road worthy, time to rethink how to drive in the rain. First off, slow down. That seems simple, but with the hustle and bustle of everyday life most drivers continue to speed even when braking distance, stopping distance, and driver communication are all compromised by rain.
Second, try not to brake and steer at the same time. This keeps the vehicle’s weight centered over the tires and improves handling.
Lastly, have the courage to pull over and wait out the storm if conditions worsen. There is no shame in being a few minutes late because of self-preservation.
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