Rainy Day Driving Tips to Stay Safe in Salem, VA

When the rain comes pouring down in Salem and across Southwest Virginia, your daily commute or quick trip to the grocery store can become a lot more challenging. Whether you’re driving down I-81 through the Roanoke Valley or simply through town, wet roads reduce traction, increase stopping distance, and negatively affect visibility. The best way to keep yourself safe when the weather turns is by knowing how to adjust your driving.

Our experts at Berglund Ford Salem are more than happy to walk you through safe rainy day driving with practical tips on how to prepare your vehicle, how to handle slick roads, and what to do if you hit standing water. It’s our mission to make sure our customers feel informed and prepared for whatever the weather throws at them.

Get Your Vehicle Rain-Ready

Safety in the rain begins with how you get your vehicle ready at home. Before pulling out of the driveway, here are a few steps to prep your Ford for wet-weather driving:

• Check Your Tires: Tread depth and tire pressure are key to maintaining grip on slick pavement. When your tires are worn, hydroplaning is more likely.
• Replace Old Wipers: If your wipers streak or squeak, swap them out. Optimal visibility is one of the most important things to stay safe in the rain.
• Top Off Washer Fluid: Rain mixes with dirt and grime, so a full washer fluid reservoir helps keep your windshield clean.
• Inspect Headlights and Taillights: Working lights not only help you see but also help other drivers spot you sooner.

Regular maintenance at Berglund Ford Salem’s service center ensures your vehicle is always ready for wet-weather driving.

Slow Down and Keep Your Distance

When the roads are wet, your vehicle takes longer to stop, and making quick maneuvers becomes a real risk. Making the following choices can really make a difference:

• Lowering your speed by 5–10 mph.
• Increase the distance to at least four seconds between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• Braking earlier and gently.

By easing up on the gas and giving yourself extra room, you give your vehicle more time to respond.

Use Your Lights, Not Your Hazards

One of the simplest ways to make rainy driving safer is to use your lights correctly.

• Headlights On: Virginia law requires headlights when wipers are in use, but it’s also common sense. It makes it easier to see you in low visibility.
• Fog Lights: Use them if your Ford has them, but avoid high beams. High beams reflect off the rain and make visibility worse.
• Avoid Hazard Lights While Moving: Hazard lights should only be used if you’re stopped on the side of the road.

How to Handle Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning happens when your tires lose contact with the road and glide on top of water. It can be scary, but follow these steps and stay calm:

• Don’t slam the brakes, but let your car naturally slow down.
• Keep the wheel steady and avoid sudden turns.
• Once traction returns, you can gently steer back on course.

Avoid Standing Water

Flooded intersections and deep puddles can damage your vehicle and put you at risk of losing control. When you see standing water, go around it if possible. Even a few inches of water can stall a vehicle. Additionally, water can hide potholes and road damage, so again it is best to steer clear of standing water.

Use Your Vehicle’s Safety Features

Many new Ford models come equipped with advanced driver-assist technologies that can help during rainy weather:

• Traction Control: Helps prevent wheel spin on slick pavement.
• Electronic Stability Control: Keeps your vehicle steady during sharp turns or sudden maneuvers.
• Rain-Sensing Wipers: Automatically adjust speed for better visibility.
• Ford Co-Pilot360™ Safety Suite: Features like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control can provide extra peace of mind.

Drive in the Rain With Confidence in Salem, VA

Rainy weather doesn’t have to mean stressful driving. With the right vehicle prep, safe habits, and confidence in your Ford’s technology, you can handle wet conditions with ease.

From new tires to fresh wiper blades, Berglund Ford Salem is here to keep your vehicle in peak condition for another rainy Virginia season. Make sure your Ford is road-ready by scheduling a service appointment with us today.

Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.