New Truck Owner? Be Aware of Your Truck's Limits

3 Things To Keep In Mind To Avoid A Tow On Wet Days

15 June 2016

Christine Brooks

Rainy and wet weather days are busy ones for a towing service. To keep yourself safe and avoid the need for a tow, you should keep the following in mind when driving in inclement weather:

Slow Down

The first thing you need to do when the weather becomes ominous is to slow down and keep your car's movement steady. Driving slower will make it easier on your tires, providing them a wider tread with better traction. However, do not brake quickly in the rain in order to slow down. Coast your vehicle by taking your foot off the accelerator instead.

Keep A Safe Distance

Another thing you can do to avoid running your car off the road in bad weather is to keep a safe distance between your vehicle and those in front of you. If you have to suddenly stop, you run the risk of hitting someone in front of you because it takes longer to stop on a wet road as opposed to a dry road. You should also watch for brake lights in front of you, even if the cars are several car-lengths in front of you. Above all, be proactive and attentive when the weather turns bad.

Check Your Tires

Another way to avoid an accident in bad weather that can result in a tow is keeping an eye on your tires. Bald tires will only worsen an already poor driving scenario, so check your tires regularly for tread wear. You should also check the air pressure in the tires as well as have them rotated during your regular car maintenance so that they will wear evenly.

Know What To Do If You Begin To Skid

Even if you have done everything right with regards to your car maintenance and your driving habits, there is always a chance that your car can skid off the road in bad weather. Your inclination may be to slam on your brakes; however, this is something you should never do. Instead, apply the brakes in a firm but calm manner. Steer into the direction of the skid, not away as this can cause the car to continue skidding. Finally, remain as calm as possible and maintain as much control as you can. Once your car has stopped, get out of the vehicle and to a safe place if your car is no longer driveable.

Getting into an accident in bad weather is never a pleasant experience, so make every effort to remain vigilant when driving in this type of weather. In order to be prepared, be sure to have a local auto towing service's phone number in your owner's manual or programmed into your phone so you can quickly call for assistance.

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