Winter weather is slowly
creeping into the bay area. While October has survived in the
mid 80’s for most of the month, the cooler weather along with impending rain
lingers in the coming months, ready to pounce on unsuspecting San
Franciscans. Cooler weather, while a familiar friend to the Bay Area
native, can bring on unplanned expenses if you are not ready.
1. 1. There will be rain. Having grown up in
Southern California, I had NO IDEA that it could rain so much in one
season. In Los Angeles, I could experience a full seven days of rain in
the entire season and we’d call it “A wet one”. Here in the bay, experiencing
rain for seven days in a row, more than ten times in a season is very normal,
and can still be deemed a drought. Learn to love the rain. It’s not going
anywhere.
2. 2. Your lack of planning does not constitute an
emergency for others. Being as you know that it rains here in the bay, plan
ahead, and buy yourself a few of the basics. Owning an
umbrella, a pair of wellies, and even a nice warm rain coat with matching
scarf and gloves are all good investments. Keep them in your car for a
rainy day, because we all know, you’ll have plenty of them in the days that
come!
3. 3. Before the rainy season hits, change your wiper
blades and check your tire tread. While the idea of spending money on
tires may seem a bit excessive, the cost of a saved life from quality tread on
an oily wet road is worth every penny. Your service advisor at your local
service center will be the best person to let you know if your tires are in
need of changing, and with seasonal tire savings events happening at your local
dealerships, you might even look into the additional full size spare
tire for unexpected flats! You can never be too prepared.
4. 4. Slow Down and leave room. For all my tailgaters out
there, you know who you are, Take it easy on the other drivers. To avoid
loss of traction which could cause hydroplane, slow your roll and give the
other drivers some space on those wet roads. Should you find yourself in
a skid situation, avoid slamming on the brakes to help keep control, and
continue looking and steer in the direction in which you want the car to
go. Avoid hard braking or turning sharply and, with ample stopping
distance, we should all survive another wet winter here in The Bay.
5. 5. Turn your lights on when you turn on your
wipers. The rule of thumb states that you should using your headlights
any time you use your wiper blades. If Karl the Fog is around, be sure to
use your low beams; however the use of headlights in rainy weather can help
other drivers to see you on the road and allows you to see pedestrians out
walking in the rain!
Planning ahead for the
wet weather not only keeps you dry, but also ensures a safer commute for
everyone out on the roads. Our goal is to get each one of you home, safe
and dry, to your families. Remember, change your wiper blades, check your
tire tread and use your headlights whenever your wipers are in use. Slow down
and give your fellow drivers room on the road and let’s enjoy yet another
wonderfully wet winter here in the bay!