If you are not well prepared, springtime rainstorms can be a sight to behold, but they also have the potential to be hazardous. This statement is particularly applicable to heavy-duty trucks. Before you go behind the wheel during a spring storm, it is essential to know what to expect from the road conditions. 

For your and your truck’s safety, here are five driving tips to help heavy-duty trucks last longer and keep you safe this spring.

Expert Spring Driving Tips For Owner-Operators And Truck Drivers

1. Make Sure The Tires Are Properly Inflated

If you drive frequently, check the tire pressure at least once a month. It is essential to look for any indications of low or high tire pressure. Always examine your tires as soon as possible if you hear a hissing sound over bumps or potholes. 

If the inner tube of the tire is leaking air, replace the tube with a new one. Stop your vehicle and seek assistance as soon as possible if you have a flat tire; unless you are familiar with the process, you should not attempt to change the tire on your own. 

2. Know The State Of The Roads Before You Go On The Road

Before you go behind the wheel, it is essential to have a thorough understanding of the current weather conditions. Always check the local traffic conditions and the weather forecast.

Websites that provide information about road conditions will inform you if there are any closures or delays in your region, allowing you to make appropriate preparations.

This is especially crucial if it has been raining or snowing hard recently, as these conditions frequently lead roads to become slippery and hazardous even when they are not covered in ice. Next, check the surface of the road itself. 

3. Avoid Making Rash Decisions

It is best to avoid making any unexpected movements while driving in the spring rain because it could potentially cause accidents. Be careful not to slam on your brakes. If another vehicle is in front of you and they suddenly apply the brakes, it has the potential to initiate an accident.

Make sure not to make any unexpected turns or stops. When you cut someone off or run a red light because they were not expecting it, you do not want to cause an accident.

It is preferable to let other drivers pass when they require room rather than you going ahead of them when driving in rainy weather. Similarly, do not change lanes abruptly. Furthermore, this can result in accidents. 

4. Take It Slow And Be Ready For Floods

You should use particular caution when driving in damp weather. Flooding by spring rains can result in hazardous driving conditions and even collisions. Reduce your heavy-duty truck’s speed and be ready for flooding. 

Avoid driving through water that appears to be deep or moving quickly, especially if it’s going in an unexpected direction. Steer clear of driving during intense downpours if at all feasible. 

5. Beware Of Standing Water And Puddles On The Road

When it rains in the spring, it is not uncommon to see puddles and standing water on the road. If you see puddles or standing water on your path, slow down. 

When you drive through deep puddles, you risk damaging your vehicle and perhaps getting into an accident. If you are uncertain about the depth of a puddle, you should either avoid it entirely until it has completely dried out or wait until another vehicle has cleared the way for you by driving through it first. 

Take These Precautions Before Driving In Spring Storms

Check the weather and road conditions before driving. Ensure your tires are inflated and avoid driving at night in areas with severe rain. Slow down when it rains, even if your route isn’t flooded. 
After an inch of standing water, a car tire can hydroplane across your lane and hit another vehicle or object. Prepare for puddles by keeping a safe distance from other vehicles. Watch for standing water on the road so you don’t slide or lose control before reaching solid pavement.