When heavy rain hits Greenville, SC, the combination of steep grades, curves, and slick pavement demands extra caution. Here are practical tips for handling\u00a0hilly roads in a downpour.<\/p>\n
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Hills can hide standing water just over the crest. Reducing your speed gives you time to react to pooling water, stalled\u00a0vehicles\u00a0or debris washed into the road. Wet pavement significantly increases your stopping distance, especially on inclines and declines.<\/p>\n
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When\u00a0driving\u00a0downhill, leave at least\u00a0four seconds between you and the car ahead, and\u00a0more if the rain is heavy.\u00a0Avoid\u00a0stepping hard\u00a0on the brakes\u00a0on a slick slope. Instead, brake early and gently, and use your lower\u00a0gear\u00a0when driving downhill to help your car\u00a0slow itself\u00a0without overusing the brakes.<\/p>\n
Hydroplaning is a risk\u00a0when\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0raining heavily, especially where water\u00a0collects\u00a0in ruts. If you feel your car\u00a0begin\u00a0to glide,\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0slam on the brakes or jerk the wheel. Ease off the accelerator, keep the steering wheel straight, and let your tires regain contact with the road. To reduce the chance of hydroplaning, make sure your tires have good tread and are properly inflated.<\/p>\n
Use your headlights (not just daytime running lights) and wipers as soon as\u00a0it rains. This\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0just about seeing\u00a0the road;\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0about being seen by others through\u00a0downpour\u00a0and road spray. Avoid sudden lane changes and be especially cautious at intersections where oil buildup can make the first minutes of rainfall dangerously slick.<\/p>\n
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Even with the best driving habits,\u00a0hilly terrains\u00a0and intense rainstorms can lead to\u00a0collisions and weather-related damage you\u00a0can\u2019t\u00a0always avoid.\u00a0That\u2019s\u00a0where the right\u00a0auto insurance<\/a>\u00a0matters.\u00a0Comprehensive and\u00a0collision coverage, roadside\u00a0assistance\u00a0and rental reimbursement can help you recover quickly if a wet downhill or reduced visibility leads to an accident.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n