El Nino – Five simple tips on preparing your vehicle.
- Check your tires. Now is the time to replace your tires if they have less than 50% of tread life. Worn tires can’t displace water through their grooves and you may lose contact with the roads during wet weather. Tires should be correctly inflated. Underinflated tires don’t sit properly on the ground and may reduce traction. Even a quarter inch of rain can send you hydroplaning if your tires are not properly inflated. Reliable information regarding the correct pounds per square inch (PSI) is found on the sidewall of your tires.
- Time for new windshield wipers. During an El Nino rainstorm is not when you want to find out your wipers are bad and you can’t see. With all the heat and dry weather the rubber on the wipers deteriorate and should be replaced.
- Check your car lighting system. Headlights, brake lights & blinkers in good working order help the other drivers see you clearly.
- Check your battery. A five year old battery should be replaced. If your battery is more than three years old, it’s a good time to have it checked by your mechanic at your next oil change.
- Check your brakes. Make sure you know your braking system. Cold, wet brakes don’t work as well as warm, dry brakes. Have your brakes checked and worn pads replaced before you need them, no matter the weather.
During El Nino think, “safety first”. Slow down and stay back. If someone is tailgating you, move over. Cal Trans is posting on the freeways to slow down and save a life. Remember, the life you save, might be your own. For more information check out this link http://blog.mercuryinsurance.com/weather-you-like-it-or-not/are-you-prepared-for-el-nino/
