TIPS FOR DRIVING IN THE RAIN IN LEBANON, TN

5 Tips for Driving in the Rain

Fun fact: Tennessee is the sixth rainiest state in the US, and Lebanon averages more inches of precipitation each year than Seattle, nicknaming the city “Rain City.” If you live in Lebanon, invest in a nice pair of rain boots and a few umbrellas, and master these safe driving habits for navigating slippery roads.

Slow Down

Following the speed limit is important whether the sun is shining or not. State legislators analyze road designs and set speed limits based on the speed at which they believe motorists can safely navigate while maintaining full control of their vehicles through turns, corners, and sudden stops. However, speed limits are designed for ideal driving conditions. Controlling your vehicle on slippery roads is significantly more challenging, so drivers should adjust their speed when it's raining.

Increase Your Following Distance

When it’s raining, leave more space between you and the car ahead. On sunny days, the general rule of thumb is to maintain a following distance of one car length for every 10 miles per hour (mph). Some suggest using the two- or three-second rule in any instance in which you are traveling above 40 mph. Maintaining a safe following distance ensures that you have enough time to stop when needed. Wet roads can increase the time it takes to bring your vehicle to a complete stop, so, like with speed, drivers should adjust accordingly.

Use A Defroster

Maintaining a clear line of sight can be difficult during heavy rain, in part because it can cause your windows to fog up. You can use your defroster to keep your windshield clear. If you have a model like the 2024 GMC Terrain Denali, you can also use innovative features like rain-sensing windshield wipers to keep your line of sight clear. Just make sure you have working windshield wipers with wiper blades in good condition.

Avoid Cruise Control

While cruise control is great for dry conditions, it can be dangerous in the rain. Cruise control can be dangerous to use in the rain because it can make it harder to maintain complete control of your car. Cruise control is a speed-maintaining system that doesn't know if it's raining and will continue to accelerate if your wheels lose traction, causing your vehicle to skid. This can be especially dangerous if you're driving across a patch of deep water, which can cause your tires to hydroplane and lose control of your vehicle. Wet roads also significantly affect your tires' grip, making it more difficult to judge corrective actions.

Maintain Your Tires and Brakes

Other factors, such as the need for brake system maintenance or new tires, can also increase your stopping distance. Make a habit of checking both your tire pressure and tread depth regularly. In addition, your brake system should be in optimal condition. If you notice any signs that you need brake services, such as brake pad replacements, avoid driving – no matter what the weather is – until you can schedule repairs.

If you need maintenance services to keep your vehicle in optimal condition for tackling every journey, rain or shine, book a service appointment with the Wilson County Chevrolet Buick GMC service center.