In cities which experience heavy downpours, driving can be difficult and careless driving can a threat to your safety. Postponing your journeys is always a smart decision when the weather is wet, especially in heavy showers. However, if you decide you hit the pedal, you should have a good understanding of how cars react to your wet roads and water puddles.
In this article, we will share some tips with you which will help you drive better in rain.
Do not leave your place until it is necessary
As we mentioned earlier, never go out in heavy downpours until it is necessary. No matter how experienced you are, how great your tyres are or how amazing your car is, wet roads are dangerous because the visibility is low and cars are more prone to hydroplaning. Both factors contribute to car collisions.
Inspect your car
If you decide to drive in rain, make sure your car is in a good condition. Nothing is more daunting than ending up on the middle of a road when it raining heavily due to a mechanical failure or some other reason.
Inspect all the car parts which are necessary to make your driving experience smooth and convenient. The recommended tread depth to drive is 1.6 mm in most parts of the world. However, when it is raining, you are going to deeper tread to maintain traction. Other car parts you may need to inspect include headlights, wipers, fog lights, taillights, and indicators.
Drive Slow
Do not let this tip slide through your subconscious. Driving slowly has become a buzzword. So, we do not pay much attention to it. Driving slowly can save you from a lot of bad situations, from mechanical failures to car collisions.
Wet roads automatically increase the stopping distance and turning time. When you are slow, you can easily adapt to wet conditions. You can avoid any abrupt braking, which is extremely dangerous in wet conditions. Moreover, as you drive slowly, you can easily stop your car.
Headlights
As we mentioned it earlier, low visibility is one of the factors why driving in rain is difficult. When the rain is accompanied by fog and mist, it becomes even more difficult to drive.
Turn on your headlights and fog lights when driving in wet conditions. It will not only improve your visibility but it will also help other drivers notice your car.
Do not Smash Brakes
We have discussed it already that the stopping time increased in wet conditions. This happens because friction is decreased between the road and tyres as the water covers the tread and makes it wet.
So, when you hit the brakes, be gentle. Leave the accelerator and push the brake pedal slowly. Smashing your foot on the brake can cause your car to lose control and hydroplane.
Avoid Puddles
Water puddles are dangerous. These increase the chances of hydroplaning and mechanical failure as the stagnant water reaches the engine and tyres of your car. So, if you can notice a puddle far ahead, change your direction and take a different route. Or, if you decide to go through it, keep your car slow and then pass it.
Leave the accelerator which it hydroplanes
If your car skids, do not panic. Stay calm because nervousness can make you do something which can cause your car to lose traction. So, stay calm, take off your foot from the gas pedal and turn the steering to where you want to go. Never slam brakes or do any quick movement when it hydroplanes.
Have high-quality tyres
Both summer and all-season tyres perform well in wet conditions. Whether you have a sedan, SUV or a minivan, it does not matter what is the body style you own, a high-quality tyre will maintain traction in wet weather conditions. For instance, Falken Linam Van01 is designed to offer strong traction in wet and dry weather conditions. These tyres resist against hydroplaning. Other noticeable features include durability and long mileage.
