In this blog entry, the Chicago area roadside assistance team here at Chicago Towing will detail some useful and crucial tips for driving safely in rainy weather and staying safe on the roadside in the event of an automotive of vehicular breakdown in the rain.

Rainy Weather Driving Safety

Keeping Distance

Make sure to stay aware of the distance between your car and adjacent vehicles. The best space is double as much space or at least a 6 second driving buffer between you and the vehicle in front of you. This assists with braking since it takes longer for cars to stop on wet roads. Make sure to keep the proper road position and use road markers to only stay inside YOUR lane.

Slowing and Pulling Over

Pulling over in the rain in a damaged vehicle is very dangerous. Brakes need to be adapted to match wet road surfaces and avoid the danger of aquaplaning. Keep a safe distance between your car and other cars, and slow when pulling over. When driving in the rain, make sure to move at a lower pace, so if you need to suddenly pull over your speed will be lower than it normally is. Turn your warning lights on after stopping, and contact your local Chicago roadside assistance service.

Visibility

Make sure to maintain as much visibility as possible when driving in the rain. In wet weather, it’s much harder to see your car, especially at nighttime. Keep warning lights activated, as well as side lights, but don’t use full beam lights as they can severely impact the vision of other drivers. In emergencies, wear a high exposure vest – which should be kept in your trunk. This helps you stand out in the rain if you’re outside of your vehicle. If you’re pulled over outside, try to stay inside your vehicle if possible.

Rainy Weather Roadside Assistance Safety

Don’t Try to Restart the Engine

Heavy rain can cause large pools of water to form on roads, which can cause engine problems. If you accidentally drive into deep water, avoid trying to restart the engine. This can cause further damage as water intake can jam your engine and damage piston rods and valves.

Keep Car Hood Shut

Downpours can strain engine parts, as well as vehicle electrical systems and mechanical components. Make sure to keep your car hood closed rather than opening it up to try to find the issue. It risks getting more water in your engine or other crucial vehicle components if you open up your hood in the rain.