Prep Your Car To Drive Through Heavy Rain And Fog
How To Prepare Your Car For Heavy Rain & Fog
One of the difficult situations, a driver can encounter is while driving through fog and rain - be it just a drizzle or heavy downpour. Driving during heavy rain simply means double-trouble. Fog or rain usually occurs when the spring gives its way to the winter season. Though different parts of Canada receive rain during different months of the years, it’s always best to prepare your vehicle to face the heavy rain and fog just like any other season. Here are a few things listed to make you stress-free.
“Must Do” Things Before You Hit The Road During Heavy Rain:
Be informed about your region’s weather conditions. If heavy rain is forecast, try staying indoors. You can also get accurate weather alerts from Weather Canada.
Check your car before you leave. Slow down your vehicle, even if the roads are well known. Driving during fog and rain will make it difficult to see the roads ahead. Also, driving on wet roads will make it hard to start, stop and turn.
Prepare your vehicle to hit the road when the rain gradually slows down and make sure to carry the essential car tools.
The main controls of your vehicle such as the steering, clutch and brake system demand gentle use while driving in the rainy weather. Ensure that they are in proper working conditions. Forget not to check the taillights, headlights, brake lights, and turn signals.
Your vehicle’s tire must have a good tread as it can help to reduce traction and offer little resistance to hydroplaning.
Check your wiper blades and get them replaced, as you will have to use them every day during rainy seasons. Don’t forget to fill the wiper-washer fluid with soap water as it helps to clear the debris from the windshield wiper.
The best advice is to postpone your trip or commute if you feel uncomfortable driving during rainy conditions.
Tips For Driving During Heavy Rain Or Fog
As wet roads are dangerous, it's always best to maintain an ample distance between your car and the vehicle in front of you.
Avoid heavy braking as they can cause your vehicle to skid. You might also end up replacing your brake parts later. Rather than applying your brake, try to take your foot off the accelerator to slow down your vehicle.
Even if it’s light rain, make sure to use the wipers as they can help you to get off the debris present in your windshield.
Avoid driving through puddles as you might not know how deep they are and can cause damage to your suspension system and tires. In case you stepped onto one, slow down your vehicle. Tap onto your brakes lightly so as to get rid of the water from the rotors and then you can proceed.
As the humidity increases during the rain, the windows and the windshield can become foggy. Use your defroster and wipers as necessary so as to maximize visibility. You can also turn on the A/C or roll down your car windows to get rid of the humidity.
It is important to see and to be seen. Make sure to use low beam headlights and fog lights when driving during rainy nights or fog as they help to reduce glare.
Make sure to use the highway deflectors as guides to determine the curve of the road, ahead of you.
Drive on the clear sections of the road. Plan your movements ahead. Avoid changing lanes and passing other vehicles unless necessary. It is advisable to stay in the middle lane as water tends to pool in the outer lanes.
9. DON'T follow huge trucks and trailers as the road spray from their tires can reduce your vision. Also, if you're planning to pass them, make sure to do it safely.
Car Parts That Need Attention After Driving In Heavy Rain:
Dust can cause fine scratches in your vehicles. Wash your car after heavy rain as it can minimize the damage to your paint. A coat of wax will also protect your car from rain and dust.
At times if you are caught during heavy rain, the contaminated cabin air filter will block airflow and A/C performance. To minimize this, turn on your A/C so that it draws air from the inside of your car.
Driving through rain will reduce the air filter’s lifespan. This, in turn, will cause poor fuel economy and reduce engine performance. In the worst scenario, if the dust restricts the air filter, then it will cause damage to your car’s engine system.
Water can cause severe damage to your vehicle. If water has swept in during flood or heavy rain, it can cause damage to the brake system. In the worst cases, it can result in the malfunctioning of the electrical system.
Also, driving through floods can cause serious engine problems. Failure of the transmission system or engine components can cause take place.
If you are staying indoors, you can perform the simple DIY car check and shop auto parts from us. But, if you have no other option, rather than hitting the road during a heavy downpour, make sure to take care of these precautions. Stay safe in the road by reducing your speed and turning on the headlights to avoid accidents caused by heavy rain. Also, by checking your headlights, windshield wipers for cracks, testing your brakes system, and checking your tires for good tread, you can prepare your car to hit the road during heavy rain and fog.
