eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Drive Safe in Rain

Member
By moneydoc
User-Submitted Article
(1 Ratings)
Drive safe in rain by preparing your car for a possible downpour!
Drive safe in rain by preparing your car for a possible downpour!

The suggestions in this article will help you drive safe in rain and rainproof your car. If you know in advance that a horrible storm is approaching, it is best to stay off of the roads altogether. Many accidents are due to poor driving conditions caused by inclement weather. However, if you must travel or get caught in an unexpected rainstorm, a little precaution can help you drive safe in rain.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1
     

    Rain-X - Drive safe in the rain by improving visibility. If you do not currently have Rain-X applied to your windshield, now is the time to start. It is inexpensive and helps to essentially waterproof your windshield. You will be amazed at how your driving visibility will be improved in the rain with this excellent automotive product. You can purchase the original Rain-X which gets applied directly to the windshield with ease or you can buy the Rain-X Wiper Fluid solution that will apply itself when you use wiper fluid. See resources at the bottom of this article for more on Rain-X.

  2. Step 2
     

    Quality Wiper Blades - Again, drive safe in the rain by keeping a clear windshield. If your wiper blades are worn, replace them immediately. Do not get in an expensive and potentially harmful accident because you did not buy quality wiper blades. There is a major difference between cheap blades and higher quality blades. Spend the extra $20 on the higher quality blades and improve your chance to keep you and your family safe on the road. I prefer top of the line Bosch Wiper Blades (see resource section at bottom of article).

  3. Step 3
     

    Quality Tires - Drive safe in the rain by having tires that are high quality and safe , not well worn. Anytime you have work done on your car by your trusted mechanic, make sure they check the tread on your tires. Like wiper blades, if your tire tread is worn, replace your tires. When you purchase tires, if you can afford to do so, buy the highest quality for your car. If you live in an area that gets harsh weather often, get tires that are specifically built for poor driving conditions - rain, snow, and ice.

  4. Step 4
     

    Lights - Drive safe in the rain by turning on your lights and if necessary, turning on your hazard warning lights (flashers). Also, make sure to regularly check all of your car lights to make sure that they are working properly. If you have a light that is out, replace it immediately. Again, if driving visibility is becoming poor, turn on your hazard lights so that other drivers can see you. Always turn on your hazard lights if you pull to the side of the road!

  5. Step 5
     

    Slow Speed and Allow Extra Room - Drive safe in the rain by being an intelligent driver. If you are having difficulty with visibility, recognize that all drivers on the road are experiencing the same problem as you. Therefore, slow your speed and allow extra room between you and the vehicles around you. It may take you a bit longer to reach your destination, but at least you will do so safely. You cannot control the actions of other drivers, but you can control your actions. You can also control whether or not you have taken the necessary actions ahead of time - buying Rain-X, quality wipers and tires, to enhance your ability to drive safe in rain.

Tips & Warnings
  • If you are able to avoid poor driving conditions, by all means do so.
  • Make sure that you apply Rain-X, quality tires, and quality wiper blades to all household automobiles - spouse and children.
  • The cost of quality car parts is much less than the total cost of an accident, don't be penny wise and pound foolish.

Comments  

jj11news said

Flag This Comment

on 6/21/2009 You need to remove the part about driving with your hazard lights on in heavy rain. It is a dangerous practice. You should only use your hazard lights if you are a stopped road hazard (car stalled) or if you are about to become one. Driving in heavy rain with your hazards on only distracts other drivers and creates confusion. If it is too dangerous to drive in the rain, then pull off the road and wait for it to subside.

Flag This Comment

on 2/20/2009 All drivers should read this article. Well done.

Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Cars Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

eHow Cars
eHow_eHow Cars