Take On Rainy Roads With Confidence When You Use These Driving Safety Tips | Wappingers Falls, NY

September is almost here and before you know it summer will be gone and fall/winter will creep their way in, along with the harsh weather. This means that right now there is no better time to get your vehicle in tip-top shape after a long summer of travel! However, if it’s time for an upgrade, we invite you to browse our available inventory now! Shop sedans, coupes, SUVs, and more! Even get your Kelley Blue Book® Instant Cash Offer now and get more for your old ride! 

However, this week’s blog is actually dedicated to safety tips for you as a Mercedes-Benz driver. As many of us know, Mercedes-Benz vehicles look out for you and your passengers with the help of advanced driver-assists. But, nothing replaces the driver, so this week we want to help you conquer driving in heavy rain in case you find yourself in this situation. And with hurricane season around the corner, the chances we get heavy storms as an effect are very high. So go ahead, take a peek below and get better peace of mind this fall!

Driving in heavy rain:

• Turn your headlights on – the Highway Code says you must use them when visibility is seriously reduced 
• Use fog lights if you like, but switch them off when visibility improves.
• Leave twice as much space between you and the car in front – it takes longer to stop in the wet.
• If your steering feels light due to hydroplaning, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually.
• If you break down don’t prop the bonnet open while you wait. Rain-soaked electrics can make it harder to start the engine.

Driving during floods and standing water

• Try to avoid standing water if you can.
• Don’t drive into flood water that’s moving or more than 4 inches deep. Let approaching cars pass first if you are unsure of the depth
• Drive slowly and steadily so you don’t make a bow wave.
• Test your brakes as soon as you can afterward. Water can have a damaging effect on brakes, make sure they are working properly before you continue to drive 
• Fast-moving water is very powerful: if strong enough your car could be swept away. Find an alternate route if the water is moving too fast to pass-through

Watch out for:

• Look out for slip and trip hazards like curbs under the water.
• Manhole covers can get lifted and moved.
• Water levels can change quickly