The rainy season is inevitable, so it only makes sense to prepare for it. If you're concerned about staying safe on the wet roads, there are plenty of precautions you can take, including these tips.

Driving Tips for the Rainy Season

Staying safe on the road can seem pretty easy for most of the year, but the rainy season may present some challenges. If you're already feeling the stress of the wet roads before the rain has even arrived, the following tips can help you prepare and put your mind at ease.

Stay Inside

One of the most basic rules to follow during the rainy season is to not go out unless you absolutely have to. The wet roads can get overwhelming and dangerous, so it makes sense to avoid them when possible. If you're just going to the store, meeting up with friends, or doing something that isn't absolutely necessary, then there's no reason to go out. Reschedule or change your plans so that you can go out when it's safer. In order to avoid this sort of weather catching you off guard, check the weather forecast before you head out.

Take Care of Car Maintenance

To ensure your car is ready to take on the wet roads, prepare it by performing seasonal maintenance on it. Since your tires are what make contact with the wet roads, it's super important that these are in great shape. Make sure you have plenty of tire tread left so that your tires can still grip the road. If your tire tread is very worn, get new tires before the rain starts. After this, check on your windshield wipers and wiper fluid. Your wipers may be dry and brittle, meaning they won't be able to clean your windshield. Change these out so that you're as prepared as possible. Be sure to also ensure you have plenty of washer fluid left in your reservoir.

Slow Down on the Road

When it rains, the posted speed limit isn't the speed you should be driving at. That speed limit is for ideal conditions, so don't be scared to slow down. If you're worried that you're going to be late to an appointment, give yourself extra time to get there so that you aren't speeding on a slippery road. Slowing down will also help you cut down on making sudden stops which can be dangerous for you and for drivers behind you. Prepare your car for the rainy season by giving it a synthetic oil change in Idaho Falls ID. Using an oil like AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil can help keep your engine running clean and strong. You can find even more great products like this by contacting Schell Distributing Inc. at (208)524-0322. You can also stop by their online shop to learn more or to place an order.

Use Your Lights

Even if it's not dark out, turning on your car's lights is a must. Not only is this good practice, but it's also the law for plenty of reasons. Turning on your headlights can increase your visibility in tough conditions and can also make your car more visible to other drivers and pedestrians. Avoid using your brights since these can reflect off the water and make visibility tougher. They can also blind drivers going in the opposite direction of you, making the road even more dangerous.

Increase Your Following Distance

In order to feel safer and stay safer, it's important that you increase your following distance. This will give you enough space to come to a safe stop even when drivers in front of you come to a sudden stop. On top of this, you'll also want to be more alert to drivers around you. Pay attention to your blind spots and be sure you have plenty of space to change lanes and turn.

Avoid Standing Water

If you see standing water on the road, do your best to avoid this as best as you can. Since standing water can be hiding a number of road dangers, it's best that you don't mess with it. You never know how deep the water is, if there is a pothole hiding underneath, or if there's something that can pop your tires. Standing water can also cause you to hydroplane and panic, so don't mess with it at all.

Give Your Car a Synthetic Oil Change in Idaho Falls, ID

Give your car a synthetic oil change in Idaho Falls, ID this spring. To find a great synthetic oil for your car, contact the oil pros at Schell Distributing Inc. You can learn more about their products by giving them a call at (208)524-0322.