10 Tips for Driving in the Rain
Living in Vancouver requires A LOT of driving in the rain. Many of our students are uncomfortable driving during this weather, but we need to remember that Vancouver gets more rain than the average Canadian city. Our North Vancouver driving school is here to help prepare you for driving in the rain! Our instructors have put together ten tips to help you survive Vancouver's rain:
1) Check your wipers
Our driving school North Vancouver cannot stress enough the importance of properly working windshield wipers. After all, if you can't see through your windshield, how will you drive safely?!
2) Ensure your headlights are working
Rainy weather tends to create dark and gloomy driving conditions. Having working headlights ensures that you can see ahead of you, and that other drivers can see you.
3) Safe tires
Make sure your tires are inflated to the proper PSI and they have a proper tread depth. This is vital in maintaining traction on wet and slippery roads.
4) Brake safely
Braking during dry weather conditions is different than braking during wet weather conditions. In rainy weather, ensure that when you brake, you are braking slower and gentler than usual to avoid skidding and sliding. Our driving school in North Vancouver will teach drivers to brake sooner than usual during rainy weather.
5) Avoid cruise control
Cruise control is tempting on highways. Keep in mind it is much more difficult to decrease speed while on cruise control.
6) Skidding
First, remain calm and take your foot off the gas. If you do not have anti-lock brakes on your vehicle, do not use the brakes. If your car has ABS, step on your brakes. If this occurs during your driving lesson, our North Vancouver driving school will teach you the proper steps to ensure your safety and avoid a collision.
7) Slow down!
Keep in mind, the posted speed limit is the fastest you can go in good conditions. When it is raining, snowing, foggy, or any other type of weather which reduces visibility, remember to lower your speed down for safe cruising. Our instructor will go over this with you during your Class 5 driving lessons in North Vancouver.
8) Don't rush
If you see rain in the forecast, leave extra time for your commute. Many drivers tend to drive slower in rainy conditions. Leaving yourself extra time to get to your destination ensures that you will drive safely.
9) Avoid deep puddles
Deep water can cause damage to your vehicle. Try your best to avoid deep puddles!
10) Drive in the middle lane
If you are driving on the highway during rain, the middle lane is always ideal. Water tends to pool up on the outer lanes, so to avoid this, we recommend always staying in the middle lane during rain.
If you feel you need some extra practice with your driving, call our driving school in North Vancouver to book a lesson or two. We also offer driving lessons in Burnaby, Port Coquitlam, New Westminster, and Vancouver.
