Wet Driving Tips
These tips will keep you and your passengers safe on wet roads.
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Driving Tips for Wet Roads
Driving in the rain can be
dangerous; in fact thousands of car accidents each year are caused by wet
driving conditions.
Routinely Check Your Tires
It is a good idea to always
check your tires before you hit the road. To ensure your tires are working
at their best, make sure you do the following routine maintenance:
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Keep
your tires properly inflated. The correct air pressure for your
tires is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and can be found on the
vehicle placard located on door edge, door post, glove box door or fuel
door. It is also listed in the owners manual. The number listed on the
side of the tire is not the recommended air pressure for your tire - it
is the maximum air pressure for the tire. You
should check your tire's air pressure at least once a month.
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Check
the tires tread depth. Tires should have minimum 1/16 inch
tread depth. Proper tread depth will help prevent skids and
hydroplanning.
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Have
your tires rotated at least every 6,000 - 8,000 miles. This
will aid in detecting alignment problems and help prevent irregular
wear.
Slow Down
As rain falls, it mixes with
grime and oil on the road creating slick conditions perfect for skids. The
best way to avoid skidding is to slow down. Driving at a slower pace
allows more of the tires tread to make contact with the road, which leads
to better traction.
Recover From a Skid
Skids can even happen to the
most cautious drivers. If your car does skid, remember not to slam on the
brakes, and do not pump the brakes if you have an anti-lock braking system
(ABS). Instead apply pressure to the brakes in a firm manner and steer the
car in the direction of the skid.
Keep a Safe Distance
It takes about three times
longer to break on wet roads than on dry roads. Since more distance is
required to brake, it is important not to tailgate. Keep a little more
than two car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Recover from Hydroplaning
When it rains, water creates a
barrier between the road and your tires. The liquid film that forms can
cause you to loose traction and glide or hydroplane across the waters
surface. If this happens, do not hit the brakes. It is better to take your
foot off the gas, hold the steering in place, and lightly apply the
breaks. If you have a manual transmission, push in the clutch and let the
car slow down on its own.
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When raindrops hit the windshield, it's your cue
to stay alert, slow down and ramp up your safety with the following
techniques:
Reducing
your speed is important for multiple reasons:
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Rainy days tend to be darker and sometimes foggy,
reducing your ability to see what's ahead.
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You need more time to stop your car on wet
pavement. During the first few hours of a rainstorm, accumulated engine
oil and grease are lifted off the road, creating a slick surface until
the oil is washed away.
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Slowing down increases your traction, since more
of your tire tread will be touching the pavement.
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Puddles often build up on the road during a heavy
rain. Slowing down in wet weather reduces the chances of skidding or
hydroplaning, while making it easier to recover from an unexpected
situation.
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Nordonia Tire & Service is your Northeast Ohio tire
headquarters! We are a Goodyear Retailer and the place to go for your
automotive service needs - from expert car care, oil change, exhaust work,
and engine diagnostics to fuel-saving tips and great tire sales. From our
website, download tire coupons and discounts, for savings at Nordonia
Goodyear Tire & Service at 10235 Northfield Road in Northfield Ohio,
Serving Cleveland's Southwest side in Northeast Ohio
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