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Being in the Midwest, we know that weather around here can go from one extreme to another in a matter of minutes. Which can be a bit scary as a driver, unless you are prepared for what the road (and mother nature) may throw at you! 

You may be thinking, is rain really something to fuss about? Yes, it is! 

Most car crashes happen while driving in the rain or on wet pavement, significantly less occur in winter conditions. 

If that surprises you, you’re not alone. But know this:  you’ve gotta respect the rain! 

We want to keep you safe here at Hartje Tire & Auto Service and that happens not just while you’re with us, but also before you bring your vehicle in for servicing. So being prepared for the situation before it happens can save you a whole lot of stress in the moment!  

The best steps you can take to drive safely while in the rain are quite simple. Let’s get into it! 

Slow and Steady wins the race! 🐢

Slowing down and following speed limits is the easiest way to give yourself enough time to react in the chance that you experience a large puddle, the person in front of you brakes quickly or you have a chance encounter with some pesky wildlife. You just never know what the road will bring!  Slow down and watch the road so you’re prepared for whatever may come at you! 

Turn on your lights 💡

This may seem a bit obvious, but you’d be surprised by how many people rely on their lights to automatically turn on. More common than you’d think they do not always turn on when you need them! Make sure the next time you are driving in a shady spot, double check that your lights are on, otherwise you can’t see and those around you can see you. 

Leave more space between you and other vehicles 🚗

It is important to slow down and leave a little extra space between you and other vehicles. It is usually recommended that you leave roughly 5-6 seconds of extra lead time between you and other cars, so you have enough time to react! This isn’t only a safety precaution for you, but others around you will appreciate you not bonking their car if you slide. 

NEVER drive through moving water♒

Driving through moving water not only increases the chances of hydroplaning but can also cause other issues to you or your car. Firstly, if you do end up hydroplaning it is important to ease off the gas and LIGHTLY hit the break.  Do NOT overcorrect your steering, as you could cause your car to go elsewhere.

Overall, it is important to have the knowledge of what to do in the crazy weather conditions we may experience in our day-to-day, so we are prepared before they happen. Not many drivers realize that heavy rain could be just as hazardous as snow! Be prepared the next time you’re behind the wheel!