Tennessee is one of the country’s rainiest states, and Lebanon is no exception. From light sprinkles to torrential downpours, rain impacts driving conditions in Lebanon, TN, and the rest of the state.
Driving in the rain isn’t much fun, but sometimes, you can’t avoid it. Follow these tips whenever you get out in wet weather.
Faulty wipers, burned-out lights, and worn tires are liabilities when driving in rainy conditions. Test your wipers, headlights, taillights, brake lights, and hazards before departing. Also, inspect your tires, checking for uneven wear, bulges, pressure issues, and other imperfections.
Finally, use a penny to check each tire’s tread. Turn the penny upside down, insert it between the tread, and look for the top of Lincoln’s head. You’re good to go if you can’t see the top of Lincoln’s head. Otherwise, schedule a tire service at Wilson County Hyundai in Lebanon, TN. The team can also evaluate your vehicle and provide car care tips for the rainy season.
Following the posted speed limit is recommended when driving in normal conditions but not when it’s raining. Rain creates a barrier between the tires and the pavement, reducing friction and increasing the risk of hydroplaning and losing control of the car.
Fortunately, you can increase the friction and maintain stability by driving slower than the posted speed limit. You should drive at least 5-10 mph under the speed limit when it’s raining and more if needed.
Slippery roads are also problematic when stopping. With reduced traction, it might take you twice as long to come to a complete stop when driving in the rain. Maintain a following distance of at least six seconds when driving in rainy conditions in Lebanon, TN.
Switching lanes is dangerous when it’s raining for two reasons. First, cars in front of you create tracks on the rainy pavement, and driving on those tracks increases friction. Even if you don’t see a car directly in front of you, you might still benefit from tracks left earlier. When switching lanes, your tires move outside those tracks, often resulting in slips and slides.
The second issue depends on your car and its features. Low visibility makes you more inclined to side-swipe another vehicle when changing lanes in the rain unless your car has a blind-spot monitoring system. The blind-spot monitoring and detection system is standard in many cars, including the 2024 Hyundai Elantra.
Tennessee law requires that drivers use their headlights when it’s raining, and for good reason. Headlights increase visibility when it’s raining, even in the middle of the day. You’ll also stand out more to other drivers, allowing them to give you enough space when navigating rainy roads.
If you have a 2024 Hyundai Tucson or another model with Smart Cruise Control (SCC), you know how much easier it makes driving. After setting your desired speed, the system monitors the roads and reduces the speed when needed to maintain a safe driving distance.
SCC is a dream to use in dry conditions, but avoid operating it and other cruise control systems when driving in rainy conditions. When the roads are wet, you should remain fully engaged in all driving activities, including maintaining speed and a safe distance. Once the rain stops, you can set cruise control again.
Water from large puddles and flooded roads can damage your car’s electrical system and hurt the brakes. Avoid portions of the road with pooling water and puddles, and turn around if the road is flooded. If you can’t safely reverse direction, pull over to the side of the road until you can do so.
Wilson County Hyundai in Lebanon, TN, is available to help you get ready to drive in rainy conditions. Visit our service center for maintenance and repairs before the next storm, or browse our extensive new and used Hyundais inventory. Our team can discuss the features that can help you when driving in the rain, the sun, and everything in between.