Driving Tips > The 60-Second Driver
Braking on Wet Roads
It's no surprise that traction is reduced on rain-soaked streets and highways, but it may surprise you to learn when during a rain storm traction is reduced the most.
Roads become especially slippery at the beginning of a rainfall. Oil and dust on the pavement loosens up and floats, creating an oily film between your tires and the road.
As rain continues to fall, that oily film does eventually get washed away, but the lighter the rain, the longer that takes, so prepare by following these steps:
First, reduce your speed and lengthen the following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. If possible, drive in the tracks of other vehicles to help prevent hydroplaning.
You should also brake more gently. If you don't have ABS, and the tires start to skid, ease up and re-apply the brakes.
It also helps
to have your tires properly inflated, and remember,
in heavy rain, deep puddles can drown your brakes
if you don't slow down.
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