Driving in Rain and on Wet RoadsRain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction andaffect your ability to stop and accelerate. Always driveslower in these types of driving conditions and avoiddriving through large puddles and deep-standing orflowing water.{ CAUTION:Wet brakes can cause crashes. They might notwork as well in a quick stop and could causepulling to one side. You could lose control ofthe vehicle.After driving through a large puddle of water or acar/vehicle wash, lightly apply the brake pedal untilthe brakes work normally.Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces.Driving through flowing water could cause yourvehicle to be carried away. If this happens, youand other vehicle occupants could drown. Do notignore police warnings and be very cautious abouttrying to drive through flowing water.HydroplaningHydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build up underyour vehicle’s tires so they actually ride on the water.This can happen if the road is wet enough and you aregoing fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning,it has little or no contact with the road.There is no hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.The best advice is to slow down when the road is wet.Other Rainy Weather TipsBesides slowing down, other wet weather driving tipsinclude:• Allow extra following distance.• Pass with caution.• Keep windshield wiping equipment in good shape.• Keep the windshield washer fluid reservoir filled.• Have good tires with proper tread depth. See Tireson page 5-54.• Turn off cruise control.4-18
