Ah, Spring! With the change in temperatures come Spring Rains. Sometimes those rains are light, warm, and breezy. Other times, you could be stuck in a torrential downpour. Do you know how to drive safely during the rains of Spring? If you’re uncertain, here are a few helpful driving tips.
Make sure your tires are in good condition. How do your tires look? Do they have plenty of tread? Are they showing signs of even or uneven wear? Are your tires properly inflated? If you answer yes to all of these questions, chances are very good your tires are in good condition. If you aren’t sure, you can bring your vehicle into The Euro Shop in Richmond for a safety check.
Know how to react when you hydroplane. Hydroplaning is when your vehicle’s tires lose contact with the road because they’re floating on water. This happens when water pools on the road or during a heavy rain. When you feel your vehicle start to hydroplane, immediately remove your foot off the gas pedal. Deceleration should help your vehicle reconnect with the road quickly. Avoid hitting the brakes when you’re skidding or hydroplaning, but if you do, pump them so they don’t lock up. If you begin to hydroplane or skid sideways, turn your wheel into the turn.
Learn how to get out of a skid. If you find yourself hydroplaning and you start skidding, look for a visual target off in the distance and start heading toward that target. The idea is that if you pick a visual target, your brain and hands will maintain control and aim your vehicle towards safety. But how to manage a skid depends on if you’re driving a front-wheel-drive vehicle or a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. Here’s a helpful video that provides more details about how to pull out of a skid.
Before the Spring rains catch you off-guard, stop by The Euro Shop in Richmond, VA for a visual inspection. We will let you know if we see any issues regarding your tires. If you’d like us to dig a little deeper and inspect your braking system, steering system, and suspension, just ask and we’ll be happy to do it. For best service, give us a call or schedule an appointment online. Your safety is our priority at The Euro Shop.