Driving Safely in the Rain
July has just about come and gone and we are still trying to prepare you for August, the most dangerous month of the year when considering auto accidents. The weather has been pretty intense lately with all of the summer thunderstorms rolling through. And we still have some yet to come. Check out the forecast:
Image from weather.com
The reason we point this out is safety. We want you to be driving safely in the rain. There are 2 major symptoms of neglected vehicle maintence that put drivers and passengers at serious risk during this intense summer weather:
1. Worn Out Tires
2. Worn Out Wiper Blades
“Thin tire treads create hazardous driving conditions when water builds up on the roadway,” according to the Car Care Council. With thin tread on your tire you are much more likely to hydroplane, a loss of steering or braking control when a layer of water prevents direct contact between tires and the road, runway, or other surface. So, make sure you check your tire tread depth prior to getting behind the wheel.
For the longest time Lincoln was the go to man for ensuring your tire tread is up to par. But, we are here to tell you that Washington is the new Lincoln. You should forgo the traditional penny and do a tire tread test with a quarter. If you can see the top of the general’s head, it’s time for a new set of tires.
The downpours that have been popping up out of nowhere can also really affect your visibility, making a clean windshield that much more imperative. Worn windshield wiper blades just don’t get the job done. The streaks and smears left behind will impair your vision. So, don’t put it off. Replace your windshield wipers today before they become a risk to your safety.
Give us a call at (301) 419-2700 if you need to set up an appointment for tires or just stop by pick up some windshield wipers.
Let us know if you have any questions in the comments section below.
Academy Ford Advantage 