Tips for Driving in Huntersville, North Carolina

Weather can have a big effect on how often your car needs routine maintenance. Take Huntersville: snow is a rarity here, so we don’t have to worry about the corrosive salt used to melt snow on the roadways up north. That said, lots of rain and humidity during the summer months present their own challenges. Whether you need general auto maintenance or tips for driving in the rain, we’ve got you covered. Below, check out these tips for driving in Huntersville, North Carolina from the Keffer Mazda service center!

Safety Tips for Driving in the Rain

With a rainy season that spans nearly four months, you’re bound to encounter a rainy driving challenge if you live around Charlotte. As we edge into spring, now is the perfect time to review safety tips for driving in rainy conditions! Read our top rainy-day driving tips below:

• Brake gently. When the Concord roads are slick with rain, sometimes even normal braking can cause your tires to lose traction. We suggest lifting your foot off the gas pedal sooner than you normally would, and applying the brakes more gradually.
• Watch for standing water. Standing water areas increase your risk of hydroplaning, or losing traction with the road. Avoid standing water if you can, and drive through slowly if it’s necessary.
• Hydroplaning? First, take your foot off the gas. You know you’re hydroplaning If your car seems to be sliding instead of driving. Don’t panic; just steer your car gently in the direction it’s trying to go without making any sudden steering movements. Then you can coast to a stop or regain traction.

Car-Care Tips for Driving in Huntersville Humidity

Humidity may not require any special driving tips, but it does give you a few extra maintenance concerns. A muggy season like we experience in Huntersville can be hard on your car, too. That’s mainly thanks to the lower oxygen content when the air is thick and muggy: lower oxygen causes your engine to combust fuel less efficiently, which means your engine is working harder to produce the same amount of energy. High temperatures can also thin your engine oil, making it less effective at lubricating your engine parts to prevent friction and engine overheating.

The most helpful Huntersville, North Carolina driving tips we can offer are simply to keep tabs on your car with regular check-ups — both at home at a Mooresville-area service center. Make weekly checks of fluid levels like oil and coolant, and then schedule service before the wet season starts:

• Get an oil change
• Check coolant level
• Check the cooling fan
• Keep tires properly inflated
• Check your air conditioner
• Schedule service to inspect battery condition
• Check or replace windshield wipers

Service Your Mazda Vehicle with Keffer Mazda

The above Huntersville, North Carolina driving tips should prepare you and your car for the summer season, but don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. If you need routine maintenance, we stock the accessories you need like oil filters, engine filters, exterior and interior cleaning supplies, and more at our Mazda parts center!