As November hums along, we’ve found ourselves solidly in the rainy season here in LA. While we love all the good the rain can do for Southern California, it’s no secret that many Angelenos also love their automobiles. What better time than now to take stock of your car’s rain readiness? 

A little pre-rain preparation goes a long way toward securing safety for not only you and your passengers, but everyone else on the road, too. 

Prepping Your Car for Rain

Before getting behind the wheel during a downpour, take a few moments to check that your car is in tip-top shape. Be sure to:

  • Check your tires for adequate tread and inflation. Break out your tire pressure gauge!
  • Give your brakes and brake lights a once-over. If in doubt, pay a visit to your local mechanic.
  • Likewise, ensure that all your lights are in good working order.
  • Finally, check out your wiper blades. If you haven’t used them since last rainy season, you might be surprised to find that you need a replacement!

Getting Behind the Wheel?

Our number one tip when it comes to cars and rain is to avoid hitting the road as much as possible. Better weather is likely only a few days off, so it’s best to reschedule any non-pressing activities or less-than-time-sensitive errands if you can. 

But sometimes, you absolutely have to be on the road. Many Angelenos commute far from home (and from a public transit line), and some tasks simply can’t wait. Plus, with the holidays afoot, many of us have get-togethers to get to and airport pick-ups to undertake. Happily, there are a few simple things you can keep in mind to make sure you’re not the person who’s got all the other drivers thinking, “Gee, is this their first time driving in the LA rain?”

  • Slow down! To avoid hydroplaning—or skidding in the buildup left behind from the first flush—let yourself relax and drive juuust a little slower than you would otherwise. Your fellow drivers will thank you, and besides, isn’t it nice to take a cue from those famous bards of SoCal car culture and “take it easy?”
  • Avoid hard braking and sharp turns. Smooth and steady wins the race! (Not that it’s a race!)
  • Allow ample stopping distance between you and the car in front of you. This gives you a healthy buffer should the car behind you be a little unaccustomed to our wettened streets.

Rainy days may be somewhat of a rarity in our city, but when they hit, a bit of preparation can help keep our roads safer for everyone. Staying alert, slowing down, and keeping your vehicle in good condition will make sure that your time out on the rain-swept streets goes off without a hitch. For more rainy day tips, you can take a look at our checklist here.

Stay safe out there, Los Angeles! And, happy travels.