Corolla, NC

1) Go Slow!

This should be a no brainer, but it never hurts to be reminded of the dangers hydroplaning, losing visibility from water on the windshield, and causing oncoming cars to lose visibility from water on the windshield.

2) Be Cautious

Some sections of our roads are curvy. You might know a puddle exists until you are right in front of it.

3) Stay High

You may not be able to tell just how deep that puddle is. If you feel it is safe enough you may want to ride in the center of the road since they are usually crowned (highest in the center and sloped to water to run to the edges).

1) Air down your tires!

Just because the sand may appear hard and packed doesn’t mean it’s safe to run with full pressure in your tires. Having your tires aired up will reduce your traction on the sand no matter what, and in the puddles you have no idea what the ground is like at the bottom. For the best results I would recommend 50% of normal tire pressure.

2) Stay High

When on the pavement, your best bet for staying high is to ride in the center of the road, but off the pavement it is the opposite. You will want to stay as close to the edge as possible. Again, you have no idea how deep that whole can be. Make sure you are in 4-wheel drive, and try to keep one side out of the water if you can.

3) Go Slow!

Go extra slow. You want to part the water to either side, not push it up over your hood where it might get into your air filter. Also it might be good to know what side your air intake on. This is the side you want to keep out of the water as much as possible.

4) Try another path

I have seen puddles that can swallow a Suburban. So if you don’t think you can make it, don’t try. There is usually another path that will look safer.