How to Prepare Your Car for the Impact of Hurricane Helene in Middle Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – Flooding is a major concern as the remnants of Hurricane Helene hit Middle Tennessee this weekend.

The heavy rain could lead to dangerous road conditions and aquaplaning.

Chris Fowle, general manager of Precision Tune Auto Care, said you see cars all the time with tires that are at risk for accidents in wet weather, but there are simple steps you can take to keep your family safe.

First alarm forecast: The drenching, windswept rain will soon come from Helene

The first thing Fowle recommends customers do is check tire pressure to ensure they have ideal contact with the road. Next he used a penny to make sure there was enough tread for grip. Fowle said you need to check all four tires because one may have different wear than the others.

“Don’t wait until the last minute or you might not make it,” Fowle said. “It's always a good idea, especially in the rain, if you see a road you don't know and you see standing water on that road, go around it. Don't go through it. You never know how deep it’s going to be and it doesn’t take much to carry a vehicle away.”

Fowle said they need to make sure the wipers are in good enough condition to remove water rather than just move it around. It's also important to make sure all lights are working so other drivers can see you through the spray.

Fowle said in addition to avoiding congestion on the road, drivers need to be on the lookout for wet leaves. They can be just as slippery as black ice in winter.

“Try to follow the tread pattern of the vehicle in front of you because it has already displaced a lot of water,” Fowle said. “If you feel like you are hydroplaning, do not make major brake adjustments. Don't hit the brakes just because you're sliding. Continue with the direction of the sled and just release the accelerator.”

The easiest way to stay safe, Fowle says, is to slow down and stay more than twice the distance you normally keep from the car in front of you.

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