If you’ve ever been caught driving in the middle of a rainstorm, you may know the sudden terror that comes with hydroplaning. With the South Texas weather as unpredictable as it is, you can never be too cautious when it comes to safe driving, especially during heavy rain. And while you may think you’re taking every step possible to drive safely, accidents still happen. You can minimize the chances of hydroplaning, however. Here are a few steps you can take to make sure your car’s tires remain firmly on the ground next time those thunder clouds roll in:

Slow and steady…

Driving too fast can be dangerous – rain or not. You don’t even need to be driving more than 40 miles per hour to put yourself at risk. Anything above 35 miles per hour on a wet road is part of a recipe for disaster. Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to wet or even damp roads. Take your time when it’s driving. Other drivers on the road will thank you, so they can do the same.

Wiggle room

You’ll need to be extra careful when the rain is pouring, meaning that three or four-second gap goes straight out the window. Leave some additional room between you and the car in front of you, allowing more time to stop in case you hit a puddle, or the road gets particularly slippery. You should also try to drive on the tracks set by the car in front of you. This cuts down on some of the slippery sludge found on roadways, making it easier for your tires to remain firmly on the road.

Take care of your tires

Worn tires plus rain can equal a deadly accident! You never want to take a chance when it comes to your tires. Checking your tires more frequently during rainy months will ensure a good line of defense against hydroplaning, especially during that rainy South Texas weather. Make sure they are properly inflated and rotated, and the tread depth is enough to keep you safe. This will all help to curb instances of an accident as the rain pours down, and with fall finally here, it may be a rainy season indeed.
Looking for more car care tips? We’ve got ’em, plus so much more! Visit our website to view our latest inventory, or stop by one of our Valleywide Ed Payne auto dealerships for more information on how to lease or purchase a new or used vehicle. We’ve got a wide selection of stunning models from brands like Ford, GMC, Chevrolet, Fiat and more.