## driving tip 

Make sure your vehicle tires are in good condition, properly inflated and suitable for the driving conditions. 

## warning! 

Never use cruise control in wet or slippery conditions. Your owner’s manual will tell you to use it only in ideal driving conditions. 

## Loss of traction 

## You in the driver’s seat 

It snowed during the night. You’re just starting out to pick up some groceries. You’ve driven in snow before, so you don’t think this should be a problem. As you move slowly down the driveway, you apply the brake lightly to test your braking distance. Your car slides slightly — this is more dangerous than you thought at first. There is ice as well as snow. 

What should you do? 

Rain, snow and ice can affect your traction. Loose gravel, wet leaves, mud or sand can also make roads slippery and dangerous. Slow down and use caution when driving on any low‑traction surface, and avoid driving altogether in extremely bad weather conditions. 

## Rain 

Rain can cause two dangerous driving conditions: 

• loss of traction 

• hydroplaning. 

Rain makes the road surface slippery, especially during the beginning of a rainfall. The rain mixes with the oil on the road to create a slippery, oily film. This film washes away with continued rain, but if the rain is light or if it has not rained for a long time, the road will remain slippery longer. 

Make sure you have good control when roads are wet: 

• Slow down and leave more following distance. 

• Allow at least twice the normal braking distance. 

• Brake gently so the wheels don’t lock. 

Hydroplaning happens when the tires lose contact with the road surface and float on a film of water. The driver instantly loses control of steering and braking. It can happen in rain or standing water. The higher your speed, the greater your chances of hydroplaning. You can tell if your vehicle is hydroplaning because the steering will suddenly become very light. 

## Strategies: driving on wet roads 

