15145 NE 90th Street RedmondLuke's Car Tips & Auto Maintenance Advice
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Luke Shaff
Over the next few days, we are going to have heavy rainstorms … more rain than usual. Here are a few things to keep in mind to be as safe as you can when driving during heavy rain.
Check Your Windshield Wipers – It’s time for new blades if your wipers are worn, cracking, skipping, torn or creating streaks. The difference between good and bad wipers can be the difference between seeing the road versus seeing a blur of lights.
Check Your Headlights – Headlights not only help you see the road – but also help your vehicle to be seen by others. Pull your car up to a wall, or your garage door and ensure your headlights both work, shine bright and are even. You can always have Luke switch out your headlights for brighter ones.
Check Your Tires – It is extremely important to ensure you have a good amount of tread on your tires – especially in the rain. Your tires should have a minimum of 4/32 of an inch tread. To easily check your tread, place a quarter in the tire tread – head down. If any part of Washington’s head is covered by your tread – then you have enough tread.
Slow Down – In the rain it is much more difficult to see – pedestrians, wildlife and even other traffic on the road. Additionally, it takes longer to stop on web roads – give yourself the extra time you’ll need; slowing down means you’ll need less distance to stop or avoid collisions.
Beware of Hydroplaning – Avoid slamming your brakes. Instead, brake slowly and steer in the direction you need to go.
Choose Middle Lanes – Water will tend to pool on the outside lanes. Less water on the road reduces your chance for hydroplaning or skidding.
Avoid Following Large Vehicles or Trucks – Large vehicles, or following to closely means you’ll be in direct line for more water spray, subsequently decreasing your visibility more.
