Whether you’re cruising through the busy streets of Grand Rapids or enjoying the scenic stretches along the Great Lakes, Michigan offers plenty of beautiful drives. While these roads are full of charm and character, Michigan’s weather can be anything but predictable.
You might be taking golden hour selfies one minute and find yourself caught in a downpour the next. This sudden weather shift can turn roads slick and treacherous, affecting your traction, braking performance, and overall control.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, wet pavement accounts for 70% of weather-related accidents, while nearly half (46%) happen during rainfall.
Since the National Weather Service has recently reported record-setting rainfall in multiple Michigan cities, including Detroit, Kalamazoo, Flint, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Muskegon, and Battle Creek, it has become even more important to service your vehicle and adjust your driving technique.
In this article, we’ll walk you through simple vehicle checks, tips for staying in control when roads get slick, and storm-smart driving habits for your rainy-day adventure.
What Makes Michigan’s Rainy Season Particularly Challenging?
When it rains in Michigan, the inclement weather and tricky road conditions make it particularly tough for the average driver to get anywhere without white-knuckling the wheel.
One of the biggest issues? During dry spells, oil, grease, and engine fluids build up on the pavement. The rain doesn’t wash it away but actually brings it to the surface, creating a slick surface similar to “black ice.” If you’ve ever hit a patch of black ice, you know the feeling: tires lose traction in an instant while steering becomes unresponsive, leaving you with little control over the vehicle. Rain-slicked roads can do the exact same thing.
Then there’s the water itself. Michigan’s full of lakes, streams, and ponds, which are beautiful — but after heavy rain, they often spill over onto the roads. These rain runoffs form surprise water pockets that hide potholes and shoulder washouts. On top of that, excessive rain can overwhelm drainage systems, raising the risk of flash flooding in low-lying areas or around clogged storm drains.
Hydroplaning is another major issue. It happens when your tires can’t channel water away fast enough, causing your car to skim across the water’s surface instead of gripping the road. At that point, steering and braking become borderline impossible until your tires regain contact with the pavement — which could take terrifying seconds that feel like forever.
Pre-Drive Vehicle Preparations for Rainy Conditions
Before heading out in rainy weather, it’s important to go over the following checks, especially if you drive a wheelchair-accessible vehicle:
Inspect Tire Condition and Pressure
Tire tread depth plays a critical role in wet-road traction. Worn-out tires lose grip quickly on slick pavement, increasing the risk of skidding or hydroplaning. Ideally, your tire tread should be at least 2/32 of an inch. When confused, do a quick tread check by inserting a quarter into the tread with Washington’s head down. If you can see the top of his head, it’s time for new tires.
Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are usually heavier due to modifications, which can put extra stress on the tires. So it’s even more important to inspect them regularly. Don’t forget to check your tire pressure using a simple gauge. Make sure it falls between 28 and 36 PSI, depending on your vehicle.
Replace Worn Windshield Wipers and Clear the Glass
Visibility is everything in heavy rain. If your wiper blades leave streaks or squeak loudly, they’re past their prime and must be replaced. Clean windshields and mirrors regularly to prevent glare and smearing. Use your defoggers and air conditioning to clear fogged windows from the inside, improving visibility in humid or rainy weather.
Test All Exterior Lights and Electrical Components
Functioning headlights, taillights, brake lights, and hazard lights are vital for safe driving in low-visibility conditions. Confirm that all your bulbs are working and the lenses are clean. If you own a modified vehicle with extra electrical features like power ramps and lifts, ensure all the connections are dry and properly sealed.
Check Door Seals and Weatherstripping
Weatherstripping around vehicle doors should form a tight seal to prevent rainwater from entering. Damaged or worn seals can allow moisture inside, leading to potential damage to flooring, electronics, or mobility equipment. To test the seal, close the door on a sheet of paper or a dollar bill. If you can pull it out without resistance, your seal may need replacing.
Safe Driving Techniques During Michigan’s Rain
Between sudden showers, slick roads, and surprise puddles, it pays to be extra cautious behind the wheel. Follow these tips to stay in control when the weather isn’t:
- Wet pavement doesn’t give you the same grip as dry asphalt, so adjusting your driving speed is crucial. Slow down — not just by a few ticks, but enough to feel the difference. Maintain a safe following distance — about a car length per 10 mph — because wet roads extend your braking distance. Avoid sudden braking or accelerating to prevent your tires from losing traction. It’s also wise to disable cruise control as it can cause your vehicle to maintain speed on slick surfaces.
- Most people think hydroplaning only happens in torrential rainfall. However, only 1/12 of an inch of water and speeds over 35 mph can cause your tires to lose contact with the road. If it happens, ease off the gas, don’t brake, and steer gently until you regain control.
- Use your low-beam headlights even during light rain so others can see you. Signal early when merging or turning so others know your intentions.
- Scan the road ahead for large puddles or pooling water, as they can mask potholes or other hazardous objects. If you must drive through standing water, proceed slowly and steadily, ensuring the water level doesn’t rise above your vehicle’s bottom edge. Always remember, “Turn around, don’t drown.” It’s better to find an alternate route than to risk being swept away or stuck in a flood.
- Rushing through a storm is never worth the risk. So leave more space between vehicles around you while driving to reduce the risk of collision. Add at least a second or two to your following distance. This way, everyone will have enough time to react, according to the changing weather and traffic conditions.