Smart Tips for Driving in the Rain in Manchester

Let's be honest: it can be pretty intimidating driving in the rain, especially here in Manchester, CT, where the weather can very quickly change from sunny skies to torrential downpours. Whether you are cruising to work in your Acura TLX or driving to the grocery store with your Acura MDX, it is important to know how to navigate the wet roads to keep you and everyone around you safe.

At Schaller Acura, we are all about helping you drive smarter and safer, so we’ve compiled our favorite tips for navigating rainy roads with confidence.

Drive Slowly

Speed limits are based on ideal driving conditions – and pouring rain isn’t exactly ideal. Wet roads reduce traction and increase your stopping distance. Even if your Acura has all-wheel drive or advanced traction control, slowing down is the best way to avoid skids and hydroplaning.

Pro Tip: Leave extra following distance between you and the vehicle ahead – at least five seconds instead of the normal three.

Turn on Your Headlights (But Not High Beams)

In Connecticut, it’s the law: headlights must be on when your wipers are on. This isn’t just a visibility thing – it helps other drivers see you, too. But avoid using high beams in the rain; the extra light can reflect off water droplets and actually make it harder to see.

Check Your Tires Regularly

Rain and worn tires aren't a great pair. Tire tread depth is a major factor in the ability of your vehicle to grip wet conditions. Schaller Acura recommends a monthly look at your tires and a tire rotation as needed, so your tires wear evenly.

Did you know that tread depth under 4/32 of an inch can greatly increase your risk for hydroplaning?

If you're unsure about your tires, stop by our service center, and we can do a quick check on your tread depth. We even offer tire rotation and replacement specials.

Use Your Tech – but Don’t Rely on It

Modern Acura vehicles come with incredible safety features like:

• Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™)
• Road Departure Mitigation
• Vehicle Stability Assist™
• Rain-Sensing Wipers

These systems are awesome – but they’re not a substitute for good judgment. Keep both hands on the wheel and stay fully engaged.

Avoid Standing Water

It might look like a harmless puddle, but standing water can hide potholes, sharp objects, or deeper dips in the road. Driving through water at speed also increases the chance of hydroplaning – when your tires lose contact with the road and your vehicle starts to skate.

If you can’t avoid a puddle:

• Slow down before hitting it.
• Don’t brake hard while driving through it.
• Grip the wheel firmly.

Don’t Use Cruise Control

Using the cruise control option can be a great addition to your experience on long drives, but you would not want to use this when it‘s raining. If you’re using cruise control and you start to hydroplane, your vehicle may start to accelerate without your input, which would generally worsen the situation. So, if the road is wet, you absolutely want to be in full control.

Keep Your Windshield Crystal Clear

Visibility is everything. Make sure your wiper blades are:

• Free of cracks or streaks.
• Replaced every six to 12 months.
• Able to clear water evenly across the windshield.

Don’t forget to top off your windshield washer fluid – preferably one that works well in colder temps, too.

Stay Rain-Ready with Schaller Acura in Manchester, CT

Driving safely in the rain starts with a well-maintained vehicle. At Schaller Acura in Manchester, CT, we offer:

• Complimentary multi-point inspections.
• Genuine Acura wiper blades and tire service.
• Friendly, factory-trained technicians who know your Acura inside and out.

Schedule your rain-readiness checkup today and hit the road with confidence – rain or shine. We look forward to seeing you.

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.