A Guide to Safe Rental Car Driving in Chicago’s Rainy Weather
Rain is quite common in Chicago throughout the year. Heavy summer thunderstorms can reduce visibility and increase traffic. Therefore, driving on wet roads can become challenging, especially for first-time visitors in the city. Approximately 10,400 crashes were reported in 2023 in Chicago due to rainy weather. However, understanding how to handle the rainy conditions while driving rental vehicles can make the trip more enjoyable and comfortable. Checking the weather conditions and taking a few precautions can make a big difference.
Why Is It Challenging to Drive in Chicago During Rainy Seasons?
Chicago’s weather changes very quickly. A day may start with clear skies and warm sunshine, but heavy rain may begin unexpectedly within a few hours. Here are the reasons why it becomes difficult to drive in such conditions:
- A sudden weather change may reduce the visibility and create slick pavement, making it difficult to drive.
- Major roads, such as I-90, I-94, and Lake Shore Drive, become difficult to navigate due to fast-moving traffic.
- Heavy rain can increase traffic, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Driving a car rental Chicago can be dangerous, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the vehicle’s size, brakes, or safety features.
Safety Tips for Driving a Rental Car in Chicago in Wet Weather
Rain may affect visibility, reduce tire grip, and make roads slippery. However, follow the tips below for driving a rental car safely in Chicago, especially during rainy conditions.
Check the Weather Updates: Rain can start anytime in Chicago during spring and fall. Therefore, check the weather updates for rain and storms while planning the trip. If heavy rain is expected along the route, it is better to delay the trip or choose a different route.
Check the Vehicle Before Leaving the Rental Lot: It’s important to inspect the rental vehicle properly before leaving the rental facility to avoid any issues later. Verify if the windshield wipers are functioning, headlights and brakes are in working condition, side mirrors are adjusting, and front and rear defroster buttons are working properly.
Reduce the Speed Limit: Roads become slippery during the rainy season, which may increase stopping distance. Therefore, drive slightly below the speed limit, keep a safe distance, and avoid sudden acceleration.
Keep a Safe Distance: A three-second space between two vehicles is enough during normal weather conditions. However, during the rainy season, the roads become wet and slippery. Therefore, increase the gap to at least 5 to 6 seconds to avoid sudden mishaps.
Turn on the Headlights: The rain may reduce visibility, even in the daytime. Therefore, turn on only low-beam headlights and don’t use high beams. Ensure the vehicle is visible to other vehicles.
Avoid Sudden Steering or Braking: Vehicles can easily skid on wet roads, increasing chance of risks. To avoid this, steer smoothly, brake gently, and avoid sudden lane changes. It gives more control of the rental car in rainy conditions.
Watch for Hydroplaning: The standing water on the road can cause loss of tire contact with the road surface. To reduce the risk, make sure the tires are in good condition, and slow down driving speed in heavy rain. But if the car starts to hydroplane, stay calm, ease off the accelerator, and hold the steering wheel.
Be Careful on Bridges and Elevated Highways: Heavy rains can make the bridges, ramps, and elevated roadways more slippery due to standing water. Therefore, be extra careful when merging, changing lanes, and driving near large vehicles.
Don’t Drive in Waterlogged Areas: Driving in the flooded areas can be dangerous, as the standing water may hide potholes, sharp objects, or uneven road surfaces. These conditions can damage the tires or the bottom of the rental car. In that case, drive slowly through shallow water to protect the rental vehicle. Additionally, try to change the route if possible.
Use the Windshield Wipers: Clear visibility is most important for driving safely during the rainy season. Turn on the wipers to speed to keep the windshield clear. If this is not working, then either try to reduce the car speed or even wait in a safe place until the weather conditions improve.
Keep the Window Clear: Rain can often fog up the window, increasing the risk of accidents. Therefore, use the car’s defroster or air conditioning to clear the moisture from the side window to improve visibility.
Park Safely: Book a parking lot in advance to secure a well-lit parking spot during bad weather conditions. Also, park the rental car away from deep puddles, flooded areas, and big trees to protect the vehicle from damage.
Use the Navigation Tool: Rainy weather can make it difficult to navigate the unfamiliar area. Therefore, use the GPS to track the toll roads, road construction, and busy traffic areas to plan the route or identify alternate routes.
Carry Essential Items: Bring all the essential items, such as a first aid kit, a spare tire, jumper cables, a flashlight, bottled water, and a microfiber cloth for wiping mirrors, to handle unexpected delays due to rain. Also, save the rental company’s roadside assistance number in case of emergency.
Consider Rental Insurance: Heavy rain can cause common car problems, such as flat tires or a dead battery. To deal with these conditions, consider Loss Damage Waiver and Collision Damage Waiver. Additionally, purchase Personal Accident Insurance for medical or accidental benefits.
Pull Over in a Safe Place: If the visibility becomes zero due to heavy rain or the wind becomes stronger, safely pull over to road side or stop at a nearby gas station or parking area. Also, turn on the hazard lights and wait until the weather conditions change.
Be Careful While Driving at Night: The nights are more challenging to drive a car in the rain because headlights reflect off wet roads. So, keep the highlights on and maintain a safe distance.
Final Words!
The weather changes frequently in Chicago, making it challenging to drive a rental car. However, checking the weather conditions, driving safely, maintaining a safe distance, carrying essential items, avoiding sudden movements, and renting the car from the most reliable providers can make the trip safer and enjoyable even in extreme weather conditions. ZadCars provide wide range of vehicles that ensure a smooth trip, even when the rain begins to fall.