Rainy Driving Tips
Nolan O'Connor
| 03-06-2025

ยท Automobile team
Hey friends โ๐ Ever been stuck driving in the rain, squinting through the windshield and praying you don't miss a red light?
Same here. I used to get so nervous when the sky opened up โ until I figured out a few tricks that actually helped me drive safer and feel way more confident.
Let's talk about how to keep our vision clear and stay safe during those stormy drives!
Keep your windshield crystal clear
First things first: your windshield needs to be spotless before the rain starts. Rain doesn't magically clean off dust or bug splats โ it just turns them into a smeary mess ๐ซฃ
I like to give mine a quick wipe with glass cleaner or a vinegar-water mix every couple of days. Bonus tip: apply a water-repellent product (like Rain-X) โ it helps the rain bead up and roll off, making everything so much clearer ๐๐ฆ
Check your wipers regularly
This one sounds obvious, but a lot of us forget: if your wiper blades are squeaking, streaking, or missing spots, it's time to replace them. I change mine every 6โ12 months depending on how worn they get.
And don't forget the washer fluid! Keep it topped off with a good-quality cleaner, not just plain water โ especially if you live in a dusty or muddy area.
Turn on your lights โ even in light rain
Even if it's just drizzling, turning on your headlights makes a huge difference. It helps you see better and makes you more visible to other drivers.
Just make sure it's your actual headlights and not just the daytime running lights โ otherwise your taillights might still be off and harder for others to see ๐๐ก
Slow down and keep your distance
Rain reduces tire grip, and braking takes longer on wet roads. I always give the car in front of me extra space (like two full car lengths or more), and I take corners more gently.
Also โ don't use cruise control in the rain. It might make your car react slower if you hydroplane. Speaking of...
Watch out for puddles and hydroplaning
If you can't see how deep a puddle is, avoid it. Hitting a deep one too fast can make you lose control or even damage your tires.
And if you ever feel your car sliding on water (that scary floating feeling) โ don't panic. Ease off the gas, keep your hands steady, and don't slam the brakes.
One last personal tip ๐ก
I always keep a microfiber cloth in my car. Sometimes my windows fog up from the inside even with the defogger on โ especially if it's cold and rainy. That cloth has saved me from more than a few foggy disasters!
Let's drive safe together ๐
Rainy days don't have to be stressful. With a few habits and tools, we can drive more confidently and stay safe no matter the weather.
Do you have your own rainy-day driving tip? Or a funny rainy road story? Share it below โ I'd love to hear it! โ๐ฌ