Jul 9, 2019

 

This summer is heating up and with these hot summer days comes summer night storms. These storms can be pretty intense, and although they might be calm and relaxing to watch from your front porch, if you find yourself stuck on the road in one of them it could be very dangerous. Many of us have driven in a rainstorm before, but if the rain becomes too rough to drive in we want to remind you to pull over. You might be put behind schedule, but you and your passenger’s safety is the most important thing. 

 

One of the scariest things that can happen when driving in a storm is hydroplaning. If you don’t know what hydroplaning is, hydroplaning is uncontrollable sliding on the wet surface of a road. There are a few things that can cause hydroplaning, but mostly it is all about speed. It’s no secret that it is a good idea to slow down when driving in the rain or on a wet surface. But in order to avoid hydroplaning all together, slowing down is crucial! In fact, many people believe your chances of hydroplaning are higher in a downpour, but the truth is the road is most slippery at the beginning of a storm! So whether it’s pouring or not, it’s a good idea to slow down! Want to know more about how to prevent hydroplaning? Check out our helpful list below! If you find that your vehicle has been damaged during a storm, schedule a service appointment with us and we can get your vehicle in tip-top shape today!

 

Tips For Avoiding Hydroplaning: 

  1. Keep your tires properly inflated
  2. Rotate and replace tires when necessary
  3. Slow down when roads are wet: the faster you drive, the harder it is for your tires to scatter the water
  4. Stay away from puddles and standing water
  5. Avoid driving in outer lanes where water tends to accumulate
  6. Try to drive in the tire tracks left by the cars in front of you
  7. Turn off cruise control
  8. Drive in a lower gear
  9. Avoid hard braking
  10. Try not to make sharp or quick turns