Wherever you live, it is critical to understand the dangers of driving during the rainy season and that you need to be extra careful. According to the Federal Highway Administration, approximately 70% of weather-related crashes involve wet pavement. Rainy conditions make driving more difficult and dangerous due to reduced visibility and slippery surfaces.
Drivers often find it difficult to drive in heavy rain, whether a drizzle or a downpour. There is a direct correlation between higher accident rates and rainy conditions. And at some point, you will have no choice but to drive even in a downpour. You can drive safer if you know how wet roads and reduced visibility affect your Hyundai vehicle’s handling on rainy days.
The best way to navigate wet roads is to be aware of your surroundings. Our expert team at Bob Brady Hyundai has compiled a list of key safety tips for driving in the rain. Check them out here:
Don’t speed up, and leave plenty of space.
Slowing down while driving is the most effective way to reduce a car’s risk of hydroplaning in wet weather. Hydroplaning occurs when tires rise on water film in wet weather. A tire has to displace a gallon of water per second to keep the rubber from slipping off the road, even with just 1/12 inch of water on the road. Driving at a slower speed is recommended when water accumulates on the road. Road surface contact can be lost even at speeds of 35 mph.
In addition, motorists should increase the following distance of the vehicle in front of them and begin slowing down in advance of intersections, turns, and other traffic. If your Hyundai vehicle has a Smart Cruise Control feature, you can set the following distance between you and other vehicles on the road.
Make sure your windshield wipers are working.
Using your windshield wipers may seem common sense, but drivers must remember to do so even in light rain. Properly working wipers can clear rain droplets without leaving streaks or smearing on the windshields. Replace them if they don’t work or if you hear a scraping noise. Consider using water-repellent products on your windshield if you expect a heavy downpour or storm.
Don’t use cruise control.
Cruise control is a feature found in most modern cars. This feature is fantastic in dry conditions, but wet conditions can make it more dangerous. If cruise control is activated, the driver cannot reduce car speed to avoid losing traction control.
If you are driving in wet weather, you should pay attention to every aspect of your driving. Avoiding cruise control will help you respond better to potential loss-of-traction situations.
Stay away from standing water.
Hydroplaning can happen when driving through standing water. In this case, you lose traction and skid across the road. Thus, you should change lanes or safely steer around where water has accumulated to avoid hydroplaning.
Keep your headlights on.
Keep your headlights on when driving in the rain, even during the day, to improve visibility. By increasing your visibility, you will see the road better and be more visible to other drivers. Most vehicles have automatic headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers. You can keep a clear line of sight when inclement weather strikes if you enable these features.
Avoid abrupt or heavy braking.
When it’s raining, it’s best to brake slowly and gradually. If you’re approaching a stop, release the accelerator sooner than usual to allow your car to coast. Slowly and gently brake.
Be careful when choosing tires.
It is too common for drivers to make tire purchases based on a tire’s initial price or appearance. If you want to drive safely in the rain, choose a tire designed with a tread pattern and rubber compound specially developed for wet weather conditions.
Make sure your car is well-ventilated.
Humidity levels increase when it rains. During rainy weather, you may notice that your vehicle’s windows become foggy. In most cars, the ventilation system includes a function that reduces fog that forms on your windshield and windows. You may have to pull over if you cannot see through your windows.
Vehicles with all-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) can make driving in the rain less stressful by using technology such as rain-sensing windshield wipers. Hyundai’s HTRAC AWD System provides increased stability and traction in slippery conditions. Models such as the Sonata, Tucson, Kona, and Santa Fe all offer this all-wheel-drive system. Visit Bob Brady Hyundai in Decatur, IL, if you’re looking for a Hyundai vehicle that will provide you with peace of mind during the rainy season.
