Stay comfortable
Rain can put a damper on plans, and it has a way of cropping up at the most inconvenient times. However, there’s something about storm clouds racing in and rain pouring in buckets from the sky that puts a mind at ease. Driving or towing in the rain, however, is a different story. Not only are you worried about how you’re going to handle your RV, but you also have to wonder how other people are going to handle their vehicles. The main thing to remember is to stay comfortable and relaxed while being alert.
Watch your speed
It’s a good idea for you to take your cruise control off. When you have your cruise control on, it’s easier for your vehicle to hydroplane, and it takes more time for you to get it back under control. With the tires spinning at a consistent speed at all times, losing control on a wet road becomes a lot easier. For the same reason, you’ll want to slow your vehicle down depending on how heavily the rain is coming at you. Slowing down gives you more control over your rig, and it also allows your tires to connect more fully with the road than they would if you were driving at top speed through the rain.
Remember your headlights
If you don’t have your headlights set to come on automatically, remember to turn them on when the rain starts. A vehicle driving without its headlights on is much harder to see in the rain than a vehicle with its headlights on. When the rain is coming down, you want to make sure you’re as visible as possible to other motorists. Before you hit the road, it’s important to make sure your headlights are working.
Make sure you can see!
Before you hit the road, be sure to check your wiper blades. Blades that have a buildup of grime on them or are old and shredded are terrible for trying to see when it’s raining. They leave streaks and smears across your vision that make it harder to see obstacles coming up on you in the storm. Make sure your blades aren’t damaged and that there’s no dirt or pine needles stuck between them and the windshield.
Ensure your tires are up for the task
Tires are made in all shapes and sizes and for different road conditions. If you’re driving in the rain, be sure you have tires that can handle the water on the road. Rain tires are specifically made to help your vehicle handle the rain and reduce the chance of hydroplaning. It’s not enough to just have rain tires if you’re not maintaining them. Make sure they’re in good condition at all times. This includes the tire pressure. Softer tires increase the risk of hydroplaning while firmer tires reduce the chances.
Give yourself space
Skidding and sliding are increased risks when driving in the rain. To prevent this from happening to you, make sure you’re giving yourself ample time to stop. This means you need to increase the space between you and the vehicles in front of you. Where before you could drive closer, now you want to make sure you’re not endangering other motorists or yourself.
Remember that there’s more than rain to worry about
What about the gusty wind that comes with a storm? Sure, you’re checking around yourself, and you feel you have a good handle on your RV, but are you controlling the wheel well? What if a gust of wind hits you from the side? Can you correct in time? Are you prepared to correct if a wind gust hits you? Where there’s rain, there’s wind, so be on the lookout for all conditions.
Speaking of rain, if your tires aren’t good enough to embrace the road, you’re going to spend a lot of money having them replaced if they’re damaged in a storm. That is, you’ll spend a lot of money if you don’t have tire and wheel protection from the RV Advisor. Before your blissful vacation starts, make sure your tires and wheels are covered in case of an emergency with our protection plan!
