April Showers Bring May Flowers Hazardous Driving Conditions?
Spring is officially here, and as car owners across the country take a collective sigh of relief, it’s important to prepare for the next phase: Rainy Weather Driving.
Here are a few ways to prepare your car, and yourself, for the wet weather ahead.
WIPERS
Good functioning wipers are a must-have for wet weather driving. Check the condition of your wipers, if the rubber is cracked or brittle, you need to replace them immediately.
HEADLAMPS
Check that both of your headlamps are functioning properly. Effective since 2005, it is now required that during daylight hours, if the windshield wipers of your vehicle are in use while you’re driving the vehicle, the headlamps of your car must be on.
BRAKES & TIRES
One of the most important ways to prepare for wet weather driving is checking your brakes and tires. The Penny Test (Shown Above) can help determine if you need new tires. Place a penny into multiple tire grooves, if you can see Lincoln’s head, you need new tires.
PREPARE YOURSELF
Roads become slippery when wet, so when the weather turns remember these important tips:
- Slow down your speed.
- Increase your following distance.
- Turn on your wipers, low-beam headlights, and defroster.
- Drive in the middle lane where the least amount of water collects.
- Maneuver lightly.
