The first day of spring is right around the corner and it won’t be long before those April showers that bring beautiful May flowers will be coming down in buckets.  Here are some helpful tips and suggestions to keep your car on the road in soggy, spring weather and remember, if weather conditions are severe and/or prohibit adequate visibility, pull off the road, turn your hazard lights on and wait the storm out. 

• Wiper Blades
Make sure you have plenty of washer fluid and be certain the washer reservoir is full. Now is also the time to inspect your wiper blades and replace them if necessary.  

• Headlights
Make sure your headlights are working properly and check both the high and low beams. This is also a good time to check your turn signals to be certain all bulbs are working correctly.  When it’s raining – even in daylight hurs - remember to drive with your low beam headlights on, making it easier for other motorists to see you. 

• Tires
Kick the tires for good luck and then get eye-level, making sure tires are in good condition and are properly inflated. Remember: Worn treads and low tire pressure can increase the risk of your vehicle hydroplaning on wet roads.

• Brakes
Be certain vehicle brakes are working correctly by tapping them lightly. Never slam on the brakes while driving in the rain or on wet roads.

• Be Aware
Tune your car radio to your local news station for the latest weather reports and updates on road closings, flash flood areas, accidents, flooded roadways and mud slides.

• Drive Slow
When roads are wet, they’re also slippery.  In fact, the most hazardous time to be on the road is when the  very first raindrops fall since the rain mixes with the oil and dirt already on roadways.  Drive slow and give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination by planning ahead, if possible. To avoid hydroplaning, try to drive in the tracks of the vehicle in front of you.

• Back Off
Most of us learned this is drivers’ education, but for some of us, the older we get, the closer we think we have to be to the car in front of us.  Allow at least two car lengths between your vehicle and the car in front of you.  Remember: It’s much more difficult to get a car to stop when roads are wet.

• Watch the Road
Who doesn’t hate potholes?  Freezing and thawing during winter months creates potholes on roads and streets.  Hitting a pothole can cause all kinds of problems, from throwing your vehicle out of alignment to doing damage to the undercarriage and muffler (not to mention throwing your back out of whack!).  If at all possible, avoid potholes by driving around them if it’s safe to do so.

• Splish Splash
Don’t drive through large water puddles or moving water. This is especially important when you are driving under severe weather conditions with decreased visibility.  Puddles can be much deeper than they appear and can even be dangerous.  Speeding through large puddles can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and may prevent your brakes from working properly.  

• Winter’s Last Stand
Thawing snow and spring rains can cause slippery conditions and black ice, especially on bridges and overpasses, which tend to freeze up before regular streets and roadways do.

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