There’s a phrase that always comes in handy this time of year: Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Wet roads and high water can happen suddenly here in the DFW area during the spring. Here are 4 tips to prepare for rainy weather you may experience this week and throughout this season.
- Check Your Tires
Hydroplaning goes hand-in-hand with spring weather. Hydroplaning happens when your tires cannot create traction with the ground on wet roads. To prevent hydroplaning, make sure your tires have plenty of traction. Tires that are old tend to lose traction and start to bald, making them more prone to hydroplaning. It is extremely important to maintain your tires in a timely manner. So how can you tell if you need new tires? Use the penny test. Place a penny headfirst into several different tread grooves across the tire. If you see the top of Lincoln’s head, your treads are too shallow, and your tires should be replaced. If part of Lincoln’s head is covered by the tread, you still have enough tread and don’t need to replace your tires.
2. Reduce Your Speed
To avoid hydroplaning, make sure to drive at lower speeds when the roads are wet. Hydroplaning is most likely to occur at speeds higher than 35 miles per hour. Slowing down when the roads get wet will greatly reduce your chances of hydroplaning. It is suggested to drive five to ten miles slower than the given speed limit.
3. If You Do Find Yourself Hydroplaning…
If your vehicle does end up hydroplaning on wet roads, stay calm and follow these tips.
- Take your foot off the gas.
- Turn your steering wheel in the direction your car is moving. This may feel unnatural, but it will help your tires realign with the road and will help you regain control of the vehicle.
- Pay attention to how your tires feel, wait until they reconnect with the surface of the road. You will know when you have driven out of the hydroplaning situation.
4. Turn Around, Don’t Drown
If you find yourself in a flash flooding situation, avoid any area on the roadway that has standing water. Not only will this reduce your chances of hydroplaning, but it reduces your chances of getting your car caught in the water. According to FEMA, six inches of water will reach the bottom of most vehicles, which will cause loss of control on the vehicle and could stall your vehicle. Once the water reaches 12 inches, your vehicle could float.
April showers bring May flowers. April showers shouldn’t bring you a car collision. Follow these tips to ensure you handle rainy weather in the safest way possible. As always, if you live in Denton, Sanger, Krum or Argyle, and are in need of reliable hail repair, collision repair, or post-repair paint work, contact family-owned and operated Color Customs Collision today. Stay safe!
Color Custom Collisions is located at 936 Fort Worth Drive in Denton, Texas.