Driving in Bad Weather: A Practical Guide for Rain, Snow, Fog, and More

Nobody enjoys driving in rough weather, but if you live in the Chicago area, you don't get to opt out. Between Lake Effect snow, spring downpours, and the occasional fog so thick you can barely see the car in front of you, North Shore drivers deal with it all. Here's what actually matters when the conditions turn ugly.

Before You Leave

Check the forecast and road conditions before you go anywhere. The IDOT 511 line and the Weather Channel app give you real-time updates on closures and advisories. If conditions are bad enough that the trip isn't necessary, it's always okay to wait it out.

Make sure your car is ready too — tires with good tread and proper pressure, working brakes, fluid levels topped off, and all your lights functioning. A car that's been kept up handles bad weather significantly better than one that hasn't. If you're not sure your vehicle is ready for what's coming, a quick check before the season starts is worth the time.

Driving in Rain

Wet roads reduce traction fast, especially in the first 20-30 minutes of rain when oil residue on the road surface mixes with water. Slow down — not dramatically, but enough to feel in control. Increase your following distance to at least 4-5 seconds. Turn your headlights on (it's actually Illinois law in rain, not just a suggestion).

If you start to hydroplane — that light, floating feeling where steering goes mushy — don't brake hard or yank the wheel. Ease off the gas and hold your line until the tires reconnect with the road.

Driving in Snow and Ice

The cardinal rule: everything takes longer. Accelerating, braking, turning — all of it requires more distance and more time. Give yourself extra space from the car in front of you and drive like you're anticipating stops before they happen.

A few specifics for the Chicago winters:

• Turn off cruise control. You need your foot ready to modulate the gas at all times.
• Accelerate slowly from stops to avoid wheel spin.
• Brake gently and well ahead of intersections — stopping distance on ice can be 10x what you're used to.
• Winter tires make a real difference on packed snow and ice. All-seasons have their limits.

Check your tire pressure regularly — cold air causes tires to lose about 1 PSI per 10-degree temperature drop, and underinflated tires handle poorly in snow.

Driving in Fog

Use your low beams, not your high beams. High beams reflect off fog and make visibility worse. If your car has dedicated fog lights, use them.

Slow down and use the right edge of the road as your guide if visibility gets very low. Don't pass other vehicles — you genuinely cannot see far enough ahead. And leave more following distance than you think you need, because stopping distances are unforgiving when you can't see what's coming.

Driving in High Winds

Keep both hands on the wheel — gusts can push a car sideways fast. Give extra room to trucks, buses, and anything with a high profile; they're the most vulnerable to wind and can drift into your lane without warning. Slow down on bridges and overpasses where winds tend to be strongest.

Flooded Roads

This one is simple: don't drive through standing water if you can avoid it. You can't tell the depth by looking at it, and it only takes six inches of moving water to lose control of a vehicle. A foot of water can stall most cars. Two feet can float an SUV.

If you can't turn around and absolutely must go through, move slowly in a low gear and keep a steady pace. The moment water gets into your engine compartment or electrical system, you've got a much bigger problem.

If you get stranded in rising water: unbuckle, unlock the doors, and roll down the windows immediately. Get out before the pressure differential makes doors impossible to open.

If You Get Stranded

Stay with your vehicle — it's shelter and it makes you visible. Run the engine periodically to stay warm, but make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow before you do. Set out flares or reflective triangles if you have them, and call for help.

The best time to make sure your car is ready for this stuff is before you need it. If you want someone to take a look at your tires, brakes, battery, or anything else before winter hits, ProAuto is on Dempster in Morton Grove — no commission, no upselling, just honest advice from people who know cars. We're here when you need us.