6 Tips for Driving Safely During Monsoons in Phoenix

The Arizona monsoon is a unique weather phenomenon that is as awesome as it is dangerous. From sudden haboobs (dust storms) to heavy rains and flash flooding, drivers face unique challenges on Valley roads.

Staying safe means more than just cautious driving. It means preparing your Nissan to handle the season’s unique challenges.

At Coulter Nissan, we're here to help you weather the storm. Here are some car safety driving tips to help you stay safe if you're caught on the road when a monsoon storm hits.

1. Prepare Your Car Before the Storms Arrive

Phoenix monsoons can pop up seemingly out of nowhere, so your Nissan should always be ready.

Tires: Make sure tread depth is strong to handle water-slicked roads like I-10 or Loop 101.
Wipers: Replace wiper blades worn out by the desert heat so you can see clearly when the rain pours.
Battery: High temps followed by moisture can stress your battery. Check it before storm season.

Pro tip: Coulter Nissan offers complimentary multi-point inspections, making it easy to check all these any time.

2. Watch Out for Flash Flood Zones & “Road Closed” Signs

In Phoenix and surrounding cities, low-lying streets and washes flood quickly. Even a few inches of water on roads like 7th Street or the underpasses along the I-17 can be dangerous. Moving water is powerful. It takes less than you think to sweep away a vehicle. “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” is more than a slogan for a National Weather Service safety campaign – it’s a lifesaving monsoon safety driving tip.

During monsoon season in Phoenix, road closure signs are posted for a reason - to protect you and others from unexpectedly dangerous conditions. Even if a street looks passable, flash flooding can occur quickly and create strong currents that sweep vehicles away in seconds. Respecting closure signs helps avoid life-threatening situations and keeps emergency crews from having to perform avoidable rescues. When in doubt, turn around and take an alternate route. Your safety is worth a few extra minutes.

3. Drive smarter in dust storms

Dust storms – or haboobs – can be a common thing during the Arizona monsoon. If you've ever seen a wall of dust bearing down on you, you know it's no joke. Here are the guidelines of what to do when confronted with a dust storm set by ADOT:

If you encounter a dust storm, immediately check traffic around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway – do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.
Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane. Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
Turn off all vehicle lights. You do not want other vehicles, approaching from behind, to use your lights as a guide and possibly crash into your parked vehicle.
Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
Stay in the vehicle with your seat belt buckled and wait for the storm to pass.
Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds.

Pro tip: Your Nissan’s cabin air filter also helps keep dust out. Ask us to check or replace it during your next visit.

4. Adjust Your Driving Style for Rain in Phoenix

Wet roads in Phoenix are especially slick after long dry spells when oil and debris mix with the rain. The amount and intensity of rain can drastically change road conditions, which in turn change how your vehicle handles.

Before you drive, check your windshield wipers, and replace them if needed.
From ADOT Monsoon driving tips, “When in doubt, wait it out! If you see a dust storm or heavy rain ahead, it’s best to exit and wait for the storm to move through the area. Get to a safe area as far off the roadway as possible.”
Slow down and increase following distance. Give yourself plenty of room between you and the car in front of you.
Brake early and brake gently. Let your Nissan’s Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) assist.
Avoid cruise control in heavy rain. Always stay in full control.
If traffic lights are out, treat an intersection just like a four-way stop.
Be aware and cautious of hydroplaning (when a thin layer of water accumulates between your tires and the asphalt and your vehicle loses contact with the roadway).

5. Pack an Emergency Kit

Monsoon storms can cause long delays, so it's essential to have a well-equipped emergency kit in your car at all times.

A flashlight and extra batteries
Bottled water (a must in the Arizona heat)
Charged power bank and charging cables for your devices
First aid kit
Dry clothes or a poncho and some towels

6. Nissan Vehicles Come with Intelligent Safety Features. Use Them.

Many Nissan models are equipped with driver-assist technology designed to make monsoon driving safer.

Intelligent Around View® Monitor helps when visibility is low during rain or dust.
Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection gives you extra stopping power on slick Phoenix streets.
ProPILOT Assist can reduce stress in stop-and-go traffic that often follows monsoon storms.

Stop by Coulter Nissan’s Service Center so we can make sure your safety systems are working their best.

Final Thoughts: Drive Safe; Drive Nissan

The Phoenix monsoon season is unpredictable, but with preparation, smart driving, and Nissan’s cutting-edge safety features, you can handle whatever Mother Nature throws your way.

Bring your vehicle to Coulter Nissan in Surprise for a Monsoon Safety Check. We’ll inspect your tires, wipers, brakes, and more, so you’re road-ready when the skies open up.

Schedule your appointment online today. Drive safe, stay confident, and enjoy Mother Nature's spectacle knowing your Nissan is prepared.

How to Drive Safely During Monsoon Season in Phoenix