The Rain is Coming!

Though Chico doesn't get massive blizzards that other parts of the country do during the winter, there are still plenty of hazards to watch out for this winter season: thick fog, heavy thunderstorms, and the like. So whether you're planning a holiday trip or just doing your usual commute, it's important to make sure your car is ready for the upcoming weather. Here's a list of things you should check out:

1. Windshield wipers: It doesn't rain much during most of the year, so wiper blades are often overlooked-until you need them! During the spring and summer with the hot weather the rubber on the blades can dry out and make them less effective from wiping the water spots

2. Tires: With rain comes wet surfaces...and hydroplaning! Without Popper tread depth to channel away water, your tires won't have enough contact with the read for proper grip. You should also ensure that the tires are properly inflated.

3. Brakes: Compared to dry pavement, braking distances can increase by up to 50% during and after a storm! If you haven't had your brakes serviced in a while, now would be a good time.

4. Lights: Not just the headlights, but your turn indicators and tail lights! You might want to get another person to help you activate all the lights as you take a quick trip around the car. In July 2005 a law passed in California; During daylight hours, if the windshield wipers of your vehicle are in use while you're driving the vehicle, the headlamps of the vehicle must be on. So, if it's raining at anytime of the day you need to have your lights on. This is important in all weather conditions though, mainly the turn indicators and making sure the break lights work.

Some other issues brought by rain that may not be a safety problem, but may be a headache:

1. A leaky sunroof: If you find that the front carpets or headliner are damp or dripping, you may want to open up your sunroof and examine the front corners, there is usually a drain hole located in each corner that empty our in the front wheel wells; if they become clogged or otherwise damaged, water can get backed up and seep into the passenger compartment!

2. Being late: When the rain comes everyone who use to walk or ride bikes to commute are now piling up in their vehicles to get to there destinations. Because of this there are a lot more vehicles on the rode, which in turn creates a longer commuting time. When you see that it is raining, add an extra 10-15min onto your commute time. It will get you to your destination without any extra frustration or accidents.