06
6-53
Driving in the Rain
Rain and wet roads can make driving 
dangerous. Here are a few things to 
consider when driving in the rain or on 
slick pavement:
•  Slow down and allow extra following 
distance. A heavy rainfall makes 
it harder to see and increases the 
distance needed to stop your vehicle.
•  Turn OFF your Cruise Control. (if 
equipped)
•  Replace your windshield wiper blades 
when they show signs of streaking or 
missing areas on the windshield.
•  Be sure your tires have enough tread. 
If your tires do not have enough depth 
of tire tread, making a quick stop on 
wet pavement can cause a skid and 
possibly lead to an accident. See “Tire 
Tread” section in chapter 9.
•  Turn on your headlamps to make it 
easier for others to see you.
•  Driving too fast through large puddles 
can affect your brakes. If you must go 
through puddles, try to drive through 
them slowly.
•  If you believe your brakes may be wet, 
apply them lightly while driving until 
normal braking operation returns.
Hydroplaning
If the road is wet enough and you are 
going fast enough, your vehicle may 
have little or no contact with the road 
surface and actually ride on the water. 
The best advice is SLOW DOWN when 
the road is wet.
The risk of hydroplaning increases as 
the depth of tire tread decreases, refer 
to “Tire Tread” section in chapter 9.
Driving in Flooded Areas
Avoid driving through flooded areas 
unless you are sure the water is no 
higher than the bottom of the wheel hub. 
Drive through any water slowly. Allow 
adequate stopping distance because 
brake performance may be reduced.
After driving through water, dry the 
brakes by gently applying them several 
times while the vehicle is moving slowly.
Highway Driving
Tires
Adjust the tire inflation, as specified. 
Under-inflation may overheat or damage 
the tires.
Do not install worn-out or damaged tires, 
which may reduce traction or fail the 
braking operation.
 Information
Never over-inflate your tires above the 
maximum inflation pressure, as specified 
on your tires.
Fuel, engine coolant and engine oil
Driving at higher speeds on the highway 
consumes more fuel and is less efficient 
than driving at a slower, more moderate 
speed. Maintain a moderate speed in 
order to conserve fuel when driving on 
the highway.
Be sure to check both the engine coolant 
level and the engine oil before driving.
Drive belt
A loose or damaged drive belt may 
overheat the engine.