Turn around, don't drown. Venturing through flooded roadways with your vehicle is a gamble you don’t want to take. The force of floodwaters can be unexpectedly strong, with the power to shift heavy objects, from boulders to entire homes.
When you drive into a flooded area, you're putting yourself at risk of losing control of your vehicle. A mere six inches of swiftly flowing water has the strength to topple an adult, while a foot of water can sweep a small car off its wheels, according to the National Weather Service. At least 38% of the people who died in floodwater in 2022 were driving.
Floodwater can stall your engine, ruin your electrical system, and compromise your car's safety features. It can damage roadways and hamper your ability to navigate safely. In the worst-case scenario, you could find yourself trapped in rising water, which is a life-threatening situation.
Navigating Heavy Rain Safely
When it's raining cats and dogs, even seasoned drivers can find themselves in slippery situations. Heavy rain can make driving a challenge. Reduced visibility, slippery roads, and the risk of hydroplaning are just a few of the issues you'll face. Here’s what you can do to stay safe.
- Slow down. Driving at a reduced speed gives you more time to react to unexpected situations.
- Avoid tailgating. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. The stopping distance on wet roads is significantly longer than on dry ones.
- Turn on your headlights. As the first drop of rain hits your windshield, turn on your car’s headlights to increase your visibility to other drivers.
- Know the roads. Learn the roadways in your area prone to flooding and use an alternate route during heavy rain.
- Run the air conditioning. Keeping the air conditioning on while driving in heavy rain ensures your windshield doesn’t fog up and hamper visibility.
How Milex Preps You for Rainy Weather
If rainy weather is in the forecast on your road trip, take a few extra steps before heading out. It’s a good idea to replace your windshield wipers, top off the gas tank, and check your tires. If the tread is worn, your tires may lose traction on slick roads. Make sure to keep your phone charged in case you encounter a problem.
Trust Milex Complete Auto Care to get your car ready for any weather, including heavy rain. Our comprehensive services include checking the brakes, tires, windshield wipers, and lights. Milex technicians can also top off all essential fluids and make sure your car's electrical system is in top shape. We’ll also do a performance check that includes a free code scan and ensures your fluid levels are accurate. All these services are crucial for safe driving in rainy conditions.
Milex has more than 50 years of experience in the auto repair and maintenance industry. But it's not just about the years — it's about the quality of service. Milex places a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction, offering honest, affordable, and comprehensive auto repair and preventative maintenance services. We back our quality service work with a nationwide warranty.
We offer a one-stop solution for all your car care needs. Whether it's an oil change, brake repair, or more complex engine work, we have highly experienced and skilled mechanics qualified to work on any car model and make. This convenience of having a single, reliable place for all your auto care needs is invaluable, especially when preparing for something as unpredictable as weather conditions.
Get Road Ready
Driving through floodwaters is risky business, and heavy rain presents its own set of challenges, requiring careful navigation and a well-maintained vehicle. That's where Milex Complete Auto Care comes in.
Before the clouds gather and the first raindrop falls, make a pit stop at Milex to ensure you and your car are ready for whatever the weather throws your way.