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Safety Tips for Driving in the Rain

When on the road, you might encounter many types of weather-related challenges. In this post by Marlo Enterprises in Newark, NY, we’ll give you some tips for staying safe while driving in the rain.

Assess the Risk of Going Out

The first thing to ask yourself before driving in the rain is if it’s worth it. This will depend mainly on two factors: how hard it’s raining and how necessary it is to drive at that time. Sometimes, it’s best to stay home and wait until the rain dies out instead of going out in the middle of a storm and risking yourself and your vehicle.

Staying safe while driving in the rain is easier with a well-maintained vehicle. Call Marlo Enterprises at (315) 331-4642 for advice on the best products for your engine, like AMSOIL’s Signature Series 0W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil, or visit AMSOIL’s online store anytime to see their full range of products.

4 Tips for Driving in the Rain

Sometimes it’s necessary to go out when it’s raining. If that’s the case, follow these tips to stay safe.

Leave Space Between You and Others

A rule of thumb when driving is to leave at least 3 seconds between you and other cars. This allows you time to react to normal weather conditions. Still, when taking rain into account, you should leave at least 4 to 5 seconds between you and other cars. Rain can impact how quickly you react to someone stopping suddenly, having low visibility when driving, and people changing lanes or turning.

Drive With Your Headlights On

Visibility can be tricky when it’s raining, especially when it’s raining heavily. A great way to make yourself visible to other drivers, especially oncoming traffic, is to drive with your headlights on. This will also allow you to spot obstacles on the road that might not be visible when it’s raining. Another important safety precaution to take when driving in the rain is always to use your turn signals so that other drivers have enough time to slow down behind you and use your hazard lights if you spot something on the road that could put you and others at risk.

Lower Your Speed

Driving at a lower speed than the speed limit is another way to keep yourself safe when it’s raining. A wet road can be hazardous, and speeding could make you lose control of your car. When driving on a wet road, it’s best to leave with enough time to account for the lower speeds and still get to your destination on time.

Don’t Drive Into Water

Flooding is another big concern when it rains, especially when it rains a lot in a short period. Sometimes, standing water doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it can be hard to gauge how deep it is. Another concern is potholes hidden by water, so it’s best to avoid driving into the water and avoid putting yourself and your vehicle at risk.

Marlo Enterprises has excellent products to keep your vehicle’s engine running smoothly. Call them at (315) 331-4642 for advice on the best products for your vehicle’s maintenance, or visit AMSOIL’s online store to place an order today.

Rainy Season Vehicle Maintenance

A reliable maintenance routine is the best way to ensure you’ll be safe in your vehicle when driving on wet roads. Two essential car parts you should check this season are your windshield wipers and tires. Here is what you should check for each:

Wipers: These tend to dry out after exposure to the sun for a few months. That’s why it’s important to ensure your wipers are in good condition and haven’t dried out so that you can have maximum visibility while it’s raining.
Tires: It’s essential that your tires are regularly in good condition, but it becomes much more important when it’s raining as your tire threads will ensure you’re safe on the road. Worn tire treads can cause your car to lose traction and aquaplane, which can, in turn, make you lose control of your car.

A well-maintained car will keep you safer on the road, so if it’s been a while since you last took in your car for maintenance, schedule a visit to your mechanic as soon as possible to ensure you're safe on the road.