Although driving always requires vigilance, you should be especially careful during a major downpour to avoid an accident. DADS Auto Body & Paint Inc., an auto body shop in Aiea, HI, has some advice to that end. During Hawaii’s rainy season, keep these tips in mind while driving.

5 Tips for Driving When It’s Raining Hard

1. Drive Slower

Because of the oils in asphalt, roads are more slippery during a rainstorm, so you should slow down. If you’re concerned about the speed limit, remember that number is for ideal conditions. When it’s pouring, you can go slower.

2. Give Yourself More Room to Stop

With slippery roads, stop a greater distance behind other cars or stop lines in case your car skids. If you’re already slowing down, this will be an easy transition.

3. Increase Following Distance Time

When conditions are ideal, you should maintain about 3-4 seconds between yourself and the car ahead of you. But during inclement weather, you should increase that by 1-2 seconds to give yourself more space and time to react to any sudden traffic changes.

4. Keep Your Headlights On

Even if you have no problem seeing the road through the rain, you should always turn your headlights on for other drivers. Depending on the weather and visibility conditions of the road, your car may not be as noticeable as you think. Headlights will help with that.

5. Don’t Panic if You Hydroplane

The biggest risk in heavy rain is hydroplaning, which is when your car loses contact with the road and starts to slide on water instead. In the event you do hydroplane, you should take your foot off the accelerator and gently turn the steering wheel in your intended direction. Never slam on the brakes.

As the trusted collision repair and auto body shop of the Aiea, HI, area for more than 40 years, DADS Auto Body & Paint Inc. has seen how heavy rain affects everyone, even the best drivers. If a recent rainstorm has left your car in need of repairs, call them at (808) 487-3654. As an ASE-certified Blue Seal auto body shop with state-of-the-art technology, they’ll work with immense care, efficiency, and precision. To learn more about their credentials and their facility, visit their website.