Top Tips for Driving in Heavy Rain

Throughout Oklahoma, we can get some incredible rainstorms. When the rain is heavy, it can be difficult to drive on the roads. You may have poor visibility and find yourself driving through countless puddles. Following some tips to help you drive safely in the rain is critical – and at Kevin Grover Buick GMC, we are here to help you every step of the way.

Learn About Defensive Driving

While you may know a thing or two about driving in the rain, you can’t assume that everyone else does. You have to share the road with others, so it’s important to know how to drive as defensively as possible.

1. Avoid all distractions, including cell phones and loud music
2. Keep your headlights on so that others can see you
3. Drive slowly
4. Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you
5. Brake slowly to avoid fishtailing
6. Pull off the road completely if you feel as though you cannot drive safely

There’s no need to avoid driving in the rain – sometimes that will be unavoidable. Practice makes perfect. If you drive defensively, it’s easier to avoid accidents.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Depending on where you live in Oklahoma, the rainfall throughout the year can be considerable. You often don’t get much of a warning as to when it will start raining, so your vehicle should always be ready for it.

First, check to make sure that all of your lights are in working order. Taillights and headlights help others to see where you are.

Second, be sure that your windows are clean. If they’re dirty, it can limit your visibility.

You may also want to consider treating your window with a water repellent. This can help you to gain visibility, even when the rain is coming down hard.

Know the Roads

Whenever possible, travel along roads that you are familiar with. You never know when there are issues that can cause flooding. Some puddles may be considerably deeper than you expect them to be – and this can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

Choose well-lit, well-paved roads, especially when you are driving in heavy rain. If you don’t know the roads, ask yourself if you actually need to make the trip or if you can wait until after the storm passes.

Focus on Quality Tires

Quality tires are critical no matter what the weather is like. If you have any bald spots or the traction isn’t good, you can end up slipping and sliding on the road. Especially when it’s rainy outside, you need to have as much traction as possible.

All-weather tires can be a great investment as they can help you regardless of what the weather is like outside.

Replace Your Windshield Wipers

Windshield wipers help to clear away the water as you drive down the road. Over time, the wiper blades will wear down. It will make it more difficult to clear away the water because the squeegee isn’t coming into full contact with the windshield. In some instances, it can even cause a smearing effect, making it dangerous for you to be on the roads.

Your windshield wiper blades should be replaced at least once a year.

Schedule a Brakes Inspection

Your brakes allow you to stop in a timely fashion. If your brake pads have too much wear, it may cause you to come to a full-stop seconds longer than what a situation calls for.

By scheduling a brake inspection, you can find out if your vehicle is prepared for the rainy season.

Visit us at Kevin Grover Buick GMC

There’s no reason to wonder if your vehicle is prepared to handle the heavy rain or not. At Kevin Grover Buick GMC, we have a convenient location in Wagoner, OK. Our service technicians can take care of all sorts of preventative maintenance as well as repairs to ensure you’re driving safely around town. We have a full tire shop and parts department, too.

Our service specials can save you money. Plus, we work quickly and effectively so that you can wait in our relaxing customer area while we perform the necessary services on your vehicle.
By scheduling your service, you can be sure that your vehicle is ready for any weather that you get caught in.