If you’re planning to drive up the coast during our rainy season that lasts from November through April there may be more needed than just a driving buddy and a full tank of gas. For your next rainy weather road trip, we offer up some driving tips to keep you safe while driving in fog and tips while driving in rain along the Sonoma Coast.
All predictions of another wet winter have come true. Given the recent fires and drought, a wet winter could be welcomed…unless you are stuck driving in it while on a rainy weather road trip.
Before you leave on your vacation, you’ll want your car to be rainy weather road trip ready, especially when traveling the coast roads to Sea Ranch. We hope these driving tips come in handy especially for your next trip to Sea Ranch Abalone Bay vacation rental!
Tips to Ready your Car for a Rainy Weather Road Trip
Now, that the rainy season is here it’s time to take some preventative measures for your car. The California Highway Patrol put together a handy checklist to ensure your vehicle is ready for your rainy weather road trip wherever you may go this winter. Use it to make your car rainy weather ready for your next road trip.
1. WIPER BLADES
- Wiper blades over a year old? Consider replacing them!
- If the blades don’t operate smoothly over dry or wet windshields, they aren’t doing their job.
- Top off your wiper fluid, and consider washer fluid with antifreeze properties.
- Effective windshield wipers are essential to safe driving in the rain!
2. TIRES
- Tread depth should be no less than 4/32 of an inch for proper traction on wet roads.
- Measuring depth is easy! Put a quarter into the tire tread. If Washington’s head is covered, you are OK!
- Ensure tires are evenly worn, in good condition with no metal showing.
- Check tire pressure – Recommended pressure is usually shown on a label inside of the driver side door.
3. LIGHTS
- Check all lights to ensure they are working properly, including headlights, taillights, and turn signals.
4. EMERGENCY KIT
- Have an emergency kit in the vehicle, including jumper cables, equipment to change a flat tire, and a first aid kit.
- Keep information handy if you have a roadside assistance service through your vehicle’s insurance company, or know your local resources if you experience a breakdown.
- If you are headed to a cold location, have warm blankets or clothing available in case you are stranded. Consider an ice scraper or snow brush!
5. DRIVING IN THE RAIN AND FOG
- The Sonoma Coastal road is frequently blanketed in fog, which becomes even more dangerous when the mist changes over to rain.
- Rainy weather is blamed for hundreds of crashes, but in reality, it is more a failure of the driver to adjust for wet conditions.
- Slow down in wet conditions.
- Turn your headlights on whenever there’s bad weather to see and to be seen by other drivers. Grey and silver cars are particularly hard to see in these conditions because they blend right into the surface.
- Brake earlier, and leave extra following distance.
- If you cannot see out of your windshield, stop and delay your trip until it is safe to drive.
- If you see standing water, never drive through it! You never know how deep the water is, and you may get stuck!
This short video of driving the coast highway through the redwoods will give you an idea of what to expect on your way to Sea Ranch on a rainy day.
Use Your Headlights on Your Rainy Weather Road Trip-It’s the Law
- If weather conditions require you to use your windshield wipers, you are required to turn on your low-beam headlights.
- Any time conditions (clouds, rain, snow, dust, smoke, fog, etc.) prevent you from seeing other vehicles.
- On small country or mountain roads, even on sunny days.
- In darkness and when visibility does not allow clear recognition of a person or vehicle from a distance of 1,000 feet.
- When the vehicle is operated from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.
- When a regulatory (white) road sign is posted stating headlights must be on.
- To increase your vehicle’s visibility to others while driving – even on bright days and especially when the sun is low on the horizon. (Italics added)
6. HYDROPLANING
- At higher speeds, water can build up between your tire and the ground, causing you to lose traction and contact with the pavement.
If you hydroplane: - Let off the accelerator, but do not brake
- Don’t put extra input into the steering wheel. Once you regain traction, you can lose control if you turn your wheel while hydroplaning.
- Slow down until you regain traction, and keep your speed slow.
7. CHECK THE WEATHER AND ROAD CLOSURES BEFORE YOU GO
Now that your car is ready for that next rainy weather road trip all that is needed to do is to click here for Northern California’s Severe Weather Summary Page before you leave to check for road conditions along the way. You can also check the forecast at US National Weather Service Eureka California and road conditions at http://
These are just a few driving tips to keep you safe during wet and rainy weather. For more emergency information while staying at Sea Ranch be sure to visit our Emergency Information and Tips page on our website.
Have a question? Leave us a comment and we will answer to the best of our ability!
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Other Rain & Road Trip-related Links
5 Ways to Celebrate Rainy Days at Sea Ranch
Rainy-day Playlist for Abalone Bay
11 Rainy Day Activities at Sea Ranch Abalone Bay Vacation Rental
Thank you for the tips given on travelling in rainy season. These are very essential tips to follow.
Great Tips! Thanks for sharing these informative tips