April showers may be renowned for bringing May flowers (which in turn bring pilgrims, and so forth), but they’re actually a bit of a myth here in Macon. On average, April accounts for the third-lowest monthly precipitation total in the area year-round.
Nonetheless, the stormy summer is quickly approaching, and experiencing some early, heavy rainfall is more than a possibility. Stormy conditions cause of litany of headaches for drivers; they obstruct our vision, slow our brakes’ response time, and cause our fellow motorists to become erratic. Needless to say, the chances of an accident increase significantly when driving in a downpour.
Before you take on the elements, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle – and your mind – are as prepared as possible. Courtesy of Volkswagen of Macon, here’s how to stay safe when caught in a spring thunderstorm.
Replace Your Windshield Wiper Blades
Your first and primary line of defense against severe rainfall is, of course, your windshield wipers. Although our wiper blades didn’t spend the winter warding off ice and snow here in Bibb County, replacing your blades at the start of spring is still a wise idea. Dull wiper blades can hurt your windshield as much as help it, leaving streaks and smears that can severely compromise your windshield’s visibility. Fortunately, our Parts Store is stocked with crisp, affordable blades, as well as anything else you need to accessorize your vehicle this spring.
Avoid Heavy or Abrupt Braking
Every year, 75% of weather-related accidents occur on wet pavement – and 47% happen during rainfall. Adapt a more cautious braking technique when driving in storms, as it takes significantly longer to come to a complete stop. Instead of braking abruptly, slowly take your foot off the accelerator earlier than you normally would. Then, apply light pressure to the brake pad to coast to a natural, gentle halt.
Beware of Hydroplaning
Not only does it take longer to come to a complete stop on wet surfaces – hydroplaning becomes a serious threat. Hydroplaning occurs when your tires lose traction, causing your car to drive on the surface of the water rather than the surface of the road – which, in turn, causes you to momentarily lose control of your vehicle. If you start to hydroplane, follow three simple steps: remain calm, take your foot off the gas pedal, and steer in the direction you want to go. To avoid hydroplaning, stay vigilant of standing water, steering around large puddles rather than confronting them head-on. If you’re due for a fresh tires, we’ll help you locate the perfect set for your vehicle with the help of our indispensable Tire Center.
Maintain Your Distance from Other Cars
During a thunderstorm (but really, all of the time), you should not be aggressively tailing slow drivers. Since your brakes’ reaction times are slower in wet conditions, you’re risking a fender-bender situation or worse just by being in close proximity to other vehicles. Double your normal following distance instead, leaving ample space between yourself and your fellow commuters. This also helps avoid water being splashed onto your windshield by larger vehicles – another very real threat to your visibility.
Leave Your Headlights On
In Georgia, it’s state law that you must have your headlights on during averse weather conditions. But regardless of where you’re driving, keeping your lights on during a storm is both common sense and common courtesy. Not only is the added visibility absolutely necessary, it alerts other drivers as to your presence amidst these uncertain driving conditions. There’s literally no downside to leaving your headlights on in the rain, so get in the habit of doing so.
Anticipate the Unexpected
Chase all the storms or follow all the meteorologists on social media you want; you’ll still never know when an April storm is going to hit. If the sky darkens and you haven’t hit the road yet, try to delay your departure until it clears up. Inevitably, though, there will come times when you’re stuck on I-75 towards Perry and the sky darkens ominously. (In this situation, don’t hesitate to pull over on the side of the road and wait for the worst to pass.)
All you can do is keep your car prepared for a storm to strike at any time. That’s where the skilled service experts that comprise our Service Center come into play. Schedule your service appointment with Volkswagen of Macon today and let us handle your brakes, wiper blades, battery, and more. And while you’re here, check out our expansive inventory of new and pre-owned VW vehicles. From the speedy and stylish 2024 Jetta to the elegant 2024 Tiguan SUV, we’ll find you the perfect vehicle to brighten your life. Hopefully, the weather will follow suit.
Posted in Volkswagen of Macon Tips