Staying Safe on California's Rainy Roads: CARSTAR Robert's Collision's Winter Weather Update
Updated 10/5/2023
Your safety is important to us, and we’ve been trying to bring you the latest in car news and safety preparedness for the last couple of decades. With that being said, we’re updating this blog from 2014 to help keep information up to date! As we fast-forward nearly a decade from this weather-related blog, it's almost comical how some things never seem to change. Once again, we face a weather forecast that could best be described as déjà vu. The weather predictions for this year have an uncanny resemblance to the past, with forecasts suggesting another rainy winter for California. While we can't predict the weather, we can help you prepare.
A Wet Winter on the Horizon
According to meteorologist Jordan Krabacher, the consensus is clear: we're in for another rain season. While it might not be as intense as previous years, it's safe to say we won't be experiencing a drought anytime soon. NOAA's Climate Prediction Center has released its seasonal outlook, and it's a mixed bag. Northern California's winter, officially commencing on December 21, is expected to have an equal chance of below or above-normal precipitation, as per the December-January-February outlook released on August 17.
The El Niño Wild Card
El Niño, the notorious weather phenomenon, often keeps us on our toes. It can either bring more rain or let things play out relatively normally. Krabacher explains that El Niño can shift storm tracks, directing rain further south. So, while we anticipate rain, the exact intensity remains uncertain.
CARSTAR's Commitment to Your Safety
At CARSTAR Robert's Collision, our commitment to your safety on the road remains unwavering. We recognize that staying safe doesn't just mean being prepared for the unexpected; it also means helping you avoid accidents in the first place. While we're always here to provide top-notch bodywork and collision repair when needed, we'd much rather see you stay safe and not need our services at all.
As we prepare for another rainy season that seems oddly reminiscent of the past, remember these safety tips:
Slow Down: Wet roads require reduced speed for better traction and control.
Avoid Puddles: Steer clear of standing water to prevent hydroplaning and reduced visibility.
Disable Cruise Control: Keep it off during wet conditions for better control.
Increase Following Distance: Give yourself more stopping room.
Handle Hydroplaning with Care: Stay calm, lift off the gas, and steer straight if your car hydroplanes.
In the event of an accident, CARSTAR Robert's Collision is here to assist you every step, from coordinating with your insurance company to arranging a rental car and providing top-quality auto body repairs.
Let's make this rainy season a safe one. Remember, at CARSTAR Robert's Collision, safety always comes first. Drive cautiously, stay dry, and stay safe out there! When you need help restoring your vehicle, come to CARSTAR Robert's Collision in Monterey, CA, to learn more about why our community continues coming to us year after year. Please schedule an appointment with us today, and see what makes us so unique in the Monterey community!
*Blog From 10/05/2014*
Unless you’ve been on a very long vacation, far away from California, you know we are in the middle of a record-breaking drought. The weather forecast for this Autumn predicts El Nino weather, which means that we should expect heavier-than-normal rainfall. However, while there is still about a two in three chance that El Niño will develop, perhaps in the next two months, it would most likely be weak.
Though the drought may not be over, we will, indeed, see rainfall this Autumn, which means we need to be extra safe while driving during the season’s first rains. As you may recall, the first rains of Autumn are the most dangerous, thanks to the months-long buildup of oil on the roadways. Once the first rains hit the ground, the roads become extra slick and drivers have a tough time avoiding hazardous conditions.
If you happen to be driving during the first rains of the season, keep these important safety tips in mind:
Slow down. Wet pavement causes tires to lose traction and vehicles become more difficult to handle.
Avoid standing water on roadways. Not only can you hydroplane and lose control, but you can impair your vision and other drivers' visibility by splashing through puddles.
Don't use cruise control. It can cause your car to accelerate when hydroplaning and reduces driver attentiveness.
Increase your following distance. Give other vehicles plenty of room and brake early with reduced force.
If your car begins to hydroplane, do not brake or turn the wheel abruptly as this may cause your vehicle to go into a skid or spin. Take your foot off the gas and keep the wheel straight until your car reclaims traction. Brake gently if needed.
If you do happen to get into an accident while driving on slick, wet roads, you can take solace in the fact that Robert’s Collision & Repair is here to assist you. We know it is never fun to get into an auto accident, and we will help you with the entire process -- from coordinating with your insurance company, to setting you up with a rental car, to providing top-notch auto body repair on your vehicle.
In addition to auto body repair, you can expect fast & dependable oil changes, tire service, auto detailing, and car maintenance services at Robert’s Collision & Repair in Monterey, backed up by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Call our auto body facility at 831-373-1535 to schedule your appointment at 234 Ramona Avenue in Monterey, CA.