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With fall slowly coming upon us, rain is about to pick up again. Driving in the weather can be tough; the roads are slippery, the water affects visibility, and it can be loud and distracting. Maintaining driver’s and car’s safety is a top priority when navigating rainy areas. These are some safety tips to follow if you find yourself on the road in the midst of a rainstorm!

Don’t Drive if Possible

While this may be obvious, it is still the first tip to guarantee your own and your car’s safety. If it is at all possible, avoid driving in the rain. Obviously, there are times when this is not an option, but if it is, choose the option of not driving and stay securely indoors as much as possible instead.

Slow Down Your Speeds

If you must be on the road in the rain, drive slower than you normally do. When the road is slick, slowing down can be harder to do. If you drive slower and grow your following distance, it will give you more cushion to brake suddenly if needed. Driving slower also reduces the risk of hydroplaning.

Maintain Your Tires

Having good and healthy tires is one of the most important concerns when driving in the rain. The tread design and rubber compounds can make or break when it comes to safely driving in order to avoid accidents. If your tread has been worn down to below 1.6 mm in depth, your tires are no longer properly equipped to keep you safe when driving in the rain. Furthermore, you need to make sure your tires have the correct and proper air pressure so that you are not at risk of blowing a tire while driving.

Avoid Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning is when your car rides on the surface of the water rather than the surface of the road. If you feel this happening, firstly remain calm. Then, take your foot off the accelerator to naturally slow down. Do not hit the brakes as that can worsen the hydroplaning effect. In order to prevent hydroplaning, follow the above tips. Ensuring your tire has the proper tread and driving at a reduced speed are the two best ways to prevent hydroplaning.