The South may be spared the potential devastation of Hurricane Joaquin, but there is still rain, wind and flooding in the forecast for the days ahead! We recommend staying home with a warm drink, cozy blanket and college football viewing, but if you have to venture out, keep these wet weather driving tips in mind as you’re driving in heavy winds and rain.
- Anticipate wind gusts and drive carefully through areas where there could be strong winds.
- Keep an eye on the larger vehicles, like tractor-trailers or box trucks, that have a high center of gravity, making it easier for the wind to push them around. Give them space, don’t ride too close behind or beside them!
- Slow down! The roads can be slick, especially right after it starts raining or if the street is covered in a layer of water. If you rush, you run a higher risk of hydroplaning and not regaining control of your vehicle.
- Turn your lights on, even if you can see. You want other cars to see you.
- Keep both hands on the wheel in case a gust surprises you.
- While you normally have three car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you, give other cars more space in the rain. When it’s slick and rainy out your vehicle may not be able to stop as quickly as in dry conditions.
You’ll hear it many times, but heed the warning…
Turn around so you don’t drown!!
And make sure that you’ve maintained your windshield wipers–they should be replaced every 6,000 miles or three months. Our shop is open Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call ahead or just drop by and we’ll get you seeing clearly!
- Driving with a Cracked Windshield is Dangerous! - November 28, 2019
- Common Causes of Windshield Cracks: What You Need to Know - November 20, 2019
- The Best Road Trip Snacks for Kids - November 20, 2019