How to stay safe on the roads during monsoon season
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Monsoon season is here in the Borderland. July, August, and September are the wettest months of the year, and with that rain comes dangerous driving conditions.
Hydroplaning can occur with water on the roads, especially when driving at high speeds. ABC-7 spoke with Lauren Macias-Cervantes, a public information officer with the Texas Department of Transportation. She gave tips on how to avoid hydroplaning when driving in the rain.
"When there's severe weather, you want to make sure you plan ahead," said Macias-Cervantes. "You have to go a bit slower, you don't want to drive distracted, and make sure you leave with plenty of time for delays."
ABC-7 also spoke with Charlie Clark Nissan on how to keep your tires healthy. Pedro Aguilar, a service advisor with the dealership, said that the heat is more important than the water. The heat will cause cracks that can ruin the traction in the rain.
"Let's say through time, you leave a vehicle outside, let it get cracks in everything. While you're driving in the rain, the tires might not have traction either way because of the cracks," said Aguilar.
Aguilar also told ABC-7 that a way you can check your tire health at home is to take a penny and put it in the treads. If the treads are reaching up to the hairline on Abraham Lincoln, it could be a sign to get your tires replaced. Aguilar recommended the all season tires to make sure that the traction stays solid all year long.
