BOISE – With rain in the forecast for much of the Gem State, AAA is helping drivers prepare for wet roads.
“Now is a good time to test your windshield wipers – replace them if they’re skipping or streaking,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “Also, keep in mind that for the first 15 minutes of a rainstorm, all of the oils and engine fluids that have seeped into the roadbed will rise to the surface, making the roads extra slippery.”
With as little as 1/12 of an inch of water on the road, your tires need to displace a gallon of water per second. Make sure your tires have adequate tread and are properly inflated.
Additional AAA advice
- Visit a repair shop or use a kit from an auto parts store to polish your headlight lenses. Yellowed or cloudy lenses can block up to 80% of the light that your headlights produce – light that can help prevent you from being among the 50% of all crashes that occur at night.
- Apply a spray-on windshield treatment so that water beads up and runs off more easily.
- Keep a hat, emergency poncho or umbrella in your vehicle in case you need to deal with an issue during a rain storm.
- Have your brakes checked by a trusted mechanic.
- Use the quarter test – if you turn a quarter upside down in your tire tread and can see the top of George Washington’s head, it’s time to think about replacing that tire.
- Use headlights to improve visibility, even during daytime hours.
- Avoid using cruise control in wet weather.
“To reduce the risk of hydroplaning, slow down and avoid sharp braking and turning,” Conde said. “As with all bad weather, you should also double or triple your normal following distance.”