Tire Safety & Driving Tips In Rainy Weather

With the holidays coming up, I’d like to talk a little about tire safety. Did you know that there are over 6 million automotive crashes in the United States every year? Out of those 6 million crashes, about 12% occur when driving in adverse atmospheric conditions. And within that 12%, over 75% of weather-related auto crashes happen in rainy weather. That averages out to over 570,000 accidents every year when it rains. When it is all laid out like that, it kinda makes me want to stay home and forget driving altogether. But there are ways to help minimize the dangers. Below, I discuss how routine tire maintenance can spot excessive tread wear and increase tire safety, plus some handy driving tips to practice the next time it rains.

Tire Safety

To extend the lifespan of your tires, you must take care of them. Since your tires keep your vehicle in contact with the road surface, regular tire maintenance helps increase tire safety. Braking distances increase in rainy weather conditions, especially as tire tread wear increases.

Tire Air Pressure

Improper air pressure can lead to premature tread wear and also prevent the tire from displacing water sufficiently, making it more likely to hydroplane. Always inflate your tires to the air pressure indicated on the tire information sticker in your driver’s door jamb or in your owner’s manual. Properly inflated tires evenly distribute vehicle weight across the face of the tire, maximizing the amount of tread that makes contact with the driving surface.

Tire Tread Wear

Worn tires have shallower grooves over the surface of the tire tread. They cannot effectively channel water away from the contact area where the tire meets the road. Tread wear naturally happens as you drive. The more miles you drive, the more the tire treads wear down. However, if you practice routine tire maintenance, you can slow tread wear and prolong the lifespan of your tires. Help your vehicle with tire safety by performing the following:

• Monitor tire tread wear monthly for excessive or uneven wear and damage
• Rotate your tires every 5,000 – 8,000 miles
• Schedule wheel alignment and tire balancing every 10,000 miles

Wet Weather Driving Tips

Driving in wet weather can be dangerous, leading to skids, hydroplaning, and longer stopping distances. It can be tough to keep control of your vehicle when the streets are slick or slippery, but these tips can help you stay safer. Follow these driving tips to handle rainy roads like an expert.

Avoid Hard Braking

Use your brakes gently, and avoid hard braking if possible. Be sure to drive slowly and give other motorists plenty of room. Take your foot off the accelerator and coast when you need to reduce your speed. Only accelerate when there’s enough space to do so. Stay aware of your surroundings and the other vehicles around you.

Don’t Oversteer

Practice steering gently, braking softly, and accelerating slowly when driving on wet roads. Don’t panic if your vehicle loses traction or begins to skid. Just keep steering in the direction you want to go, and do not slam on your brakes. If your vehicle loses traction and hydroplanes, remove your foot from the gas pedal and keep the steering wheel steady while you coast. As your vehicle slows down, the tires will regain contact with the road.

Headlights: Low Beams

Turning your headlights on during rainy weather can help increase your visibility and make it easier for other motorists to see you. However, be sure to use only your low beams (not your high beams) to avoid blinding other drivers. Wet pavement and falling rain can reflect high beams into oncoming traffic, making it harder for them to see clearly.

Slow Down

Driving in the rain means longer travel times because traffic moves more slowly, so you’ll need to stay calm and slow down. Hydroplaning often occurs when vehicles are moving too fast. Fresh rain releases motor oil and other substances on the roadway, making road conditions slick. Be sure to slow down and leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

Turn Around, Don’t Drown

Driving into large puddles and flooded areas is dangerous and can become deadly. If you drive your car onto a deeply flooded roadway, your vehicle could lose contact with the ground and get washed away — with you inside it. Please don’t risk it. If you’re unsure how deep the puddle is, turn around, don’t drown and find an alternative route.

Turn Off Cruise Control

Using your vehicle’s cruise control during rainy weather can make it difficult to manage your speed and traction. Plus, when driving in wet weather, motorists must remain focused on the road conditions. It’s too easy to become complacent while using cruise control.

Use Windshield Wipers

Your windshield wipers can clear water quickly, helping you see better. Use a wiper speed that is sufficient to remove water from the windshield, without obscuring your vision.

Wait For Rain To Stop

During heavy rain or flooding conditions, it is often better to stay put and wait until the worst has passed before attempting to drive. If you are already driving but cannot see the vehicles in front of you, or if you are having difficulty controlling your car, pull over to a safe location and wait for the rain to slow down.

Tire Maintenance & Repair in Midland, MI

To keep your vehicle safely on the road, have it serviced by the skilled and experienced mechanics at All A’s Automotive & Transmission Repair. We always suggest following the factory-recommended service schedules for tire safety. However, we also conduct a thorough inspection to look for signs of excessive tread wear that may indicate the need for additional tire maintenance or repairs.

Schedule Service

To schedule your next service appointment or discuss helpful driving tips with our service advisor, please call (989) 631-4672 or visit our website.