It happens to all of us. One minute you’re driving on a dry road, the next, the clouds open up and you’re navigating slick pavement, blurred windshields, and the constant tap of rain on the roof. Whether it’s a light drizzle or a heavy downpour, rain can change the way your car performs, and not in a good way.
Rain doesn’t just make the road wet. It reduces traction, shortens visibility, and challenges your control over the vehicle. At All Around Auto Repair, we often help drivers who underestimated the impact of wet-weather driving or found themselves dealing with problems that could have been avoided with a little prep work.
So let’s talk about what rain actually does to your car’s performance, how it affects your ability to brake, steer, and see clearly, and most importantly, how you can prepare your vehicle so you’re not caught off guard the next time the skies open up.
Braking in the rain: Why stopping takes longer
One of the first things you’ll notice when driving in the rain is how much longer it takes to stop. Wet pavement reduces the friction between your tires and the road surface. When you press the brakes, your tires can’t grip the road as effectively, which leads to longer stopping distances.
And it gets worse when the rain first starts. That’s because the initial rainfall mixes with oil, dirt, and debris on the road, creating an even slicker surface, basically like driving on grease. The result? Your ABS might kick in more often, and sudden braking could cause your tires to lose contact with the road entirely.
If your brake pads are worn or your rotors are warped, your braking performance will suffer even more. That’s why it’s so important to keep your brakes in good shape, especially during rainy months. If you’ve noticed squealing, grinding, or a soft pedal feel, it’s time for a brake inspection.
Steering and control: How rain affects handling
Steering your vehicle in the rain becomes trickier, especially at higher speeds. Rain reduces traction, which means your tires don’t respond as quickly or as precisely as they do on dry roads. If your tires are worn or underinflated, your risk of hydroplaning increases. Hydroplaning happens when a layer of water builds up between your tires and the road, causing you to lose control. It can happen at speeds as low as 35 mph.
You might also feel the steering become heavier or less responsive in wet conditions. This can be amplified if your suspension or steering components, like tie rods or bushings, are worn out. Add in a tight curve or an unexpected lane change, and the situation can quickly become dangerous.
Slowing down is one of the best ways to stay in control, but that only helps if your car is mechanically ready to respond. That’s why we always recommend a tire and suspension inspection before the rainy season hits.
Visibility: Seeing (and being seen) is half the battle
When visibility drops, so does your reaction time. Rain streaks across the windshield, headlights from oncoming cars reflect off wet surfaces, and if your wipers aren’t in top shape, things get blurry fast.
Old or damaged wiper blades can leave smears or miss parts of the windshield entirely. Low washer fluid levels, especially without a rain-repellent formula, can also make it tough to clear off grime and debris.
Let’s not forget headlights. Cloudy or dim headlights reduce your ability to see the road, and make it harder for other drivers to see you. Many vehicles now have daytime running lights, but in rainy conditions, you should always switch on your full headlights for better visibility and safety.
It’s also important to deal with fog inside the car. Foggy windows can be just as dangerous as water on the outside. A properly functioning HVAC system (especially the defroster) is essential to keep your windows clear and your view of the road unobstructed.
Is your car ready for the rain?
Now that we’ve covered how rain affects your car, let’s talk about what you can do to prepare. A few simple checks and adjustments can make a huge difference in how your car handles the next storm.
Start with your tires. Check the tread depth, make sure they’re evenly worn, and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Worn-out tires with low tread won’t channel water properly, increasing your risk of skidding or hydroplaning.
Then, check your brakes. If you haven’t had a brake inspection recently, it’s a good time to do it. Brakes that work perfectly on dry pavement can become dangerously ineffective when wet, especially if they’re nearing the end of their lifespan.
Replace your wiper blades if they’re streaking or squeaking, and top off your windshield washer fluid with one designed for rainy or cold conditions. And don’t forget your lights, replace any burned-out bulbs and clean foggy headlight covers to improve visibility.
A quick suspension and steering check can also be valuable. If your car feels loose or drifts when turning, or if you hear clunks when going over bumps, these are signs your suspension may be worn, and those issues only get worse in the rain.
Bonus: What to do during heavy rain
Sometimes, even when your car is ready, the weather turns serious. Here’s what to keep in mind when you’re caught in a storm:
- Slow down and increase your following distance. Braking takes longer, and you’ll need more space to react.
- Stay in the middle lanes if possible, water tends to pool more near the edges of the road.
- Turn off cruise control. You’ll need full control of acceleration and deceleration to avoid hydroplaning.
- If you can’t see well, pull over to a safe spot and wait it out. Turn on your hazard lights only if you’re stopped off the road.
And remember, never drive through standing water. Just six inches can cause loss of control, and a foot or more can carry away most vehicles. If you’re not sure how deep it is, turn around.
Final thoughts: A little prep goes a long way
Rain doesn’t have to make driving dangerous, but ignoring the way it affects your car can. Preparing for wet-weather driving doesn’t require a major investment, it just takes a little attention to the parts of your vehicle that matter most.
Good tires. Reliable brakes. Clear visibility. Stable steering. These aren’t just nice-to-haves, they’re essential for your safety when roads are slick and your response time is limited.
At All Around Auto Repair, we’re here to help you prepare for whatever the weather throws your way. Whether you need new wipers, a brake inspection, or a full rainy-day safety check, we’ve got your back.
Ready for rain? Let’s make sure your car is, too.
Call All Around Auto Repair today or book your appointment online for a complete wet-weather inspection. We’ll make sure your tires, brakes, lights, and wipers are in top condition, so the next time you drive into a storm, you can feel confident from start to stop.
All Around Auto Repair — Repair. Maintenance. Service. Since 2001.
Because safe driving should never depend on the weather.
