Rainy driving isn’t ideal. Heavy rainfall can cause mechanical problems in cars, along with a number of performance-based challenges for both you and your vehicle. The UK reports 16 new accidents a day when there’s heavy rainfall, while 22% of all crashes recorded in the US are weather-related, demonstrating that knowing how to drive in the rain is very important.
We’ve put together this list of essential tips for driving in the rain so you can feel confident getting behind the wheel, even if the heavens open and cats and dogs start falling out of them (not literally, of course…).
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In this article:
1. Rainy Driving Tip #1:Do Not Drive Unless Absolutely Necessary.
2. Rainy Driving Tip #2: Slow Down
3. Rainy Driving Tip #3: Leave More Room
4. Rainy Driving Tip #4: Avoid Sudden Movements & Hard Braking
5. Rainy Driving Tip #5: Avoid Flooded Areas/Turn Around!
6. Rainy Driving Tip #6: Check Your Car Out
7. Rainy Driving Tip #7: Use Air Conditioning!
1 Rainy Driving Tip #1:Do Not Drive Unless Absolutely Necessary.
This one might seem a little overly simplistic, but it’s a step that many people tend to neglect. Before you decide to take your car out on the roads, consider whether the journey you’re going on is truly essential or if it can wait. Do you really need to go grocery shopping right now, or could you wait until the worst of the rain has passed? If the answer is the latter, you might thank yourself once you’re on the road.
2 Rainy Driving Tip #2: Slow Down
When driving in the rain, you must remember to take it easy on the accelerator, as the roads are going to be slipperier and it will be harder to keep control in the case of slippage. Driving too fast is a major cause of hydroplaning, which means the tires have lost contact with the road and are simply running over water, which makes it a lot harder to stop. As a bonus tip, never brake when hydroplaning; rather, remove your foot from the accelerator until you regain control. It is one of the most important safety tips for driving in the rain.
3 Rainy Driving Tip #3: Leave More Room
Stopping distances on wet roads are typically double those on dry roads, implying that you should leave more space between yourself and other vehicles. You never know what the car in front of you might be dealing with in bad weather, so it’s always a good idea to leave enough space to allow for damage control and maneuvering, while also keeping an eye on their brake lights.
4 Rainy Driving Tip #4: Avoid Sudden Movements & Hard Braking
Driving in heavy rain can be a slippery experience, which is why you should make efforts to avoid hard braking or any sort of sudden movement. In fact, you should really try your best to avoid braking as much as possible, as slowing down gradually will be safer than skidding to a halt. Likewise, being gentle with steering and acceleration will ensure that you slide around as little as possible.
5 Rainy Driving Tip #5: Avoid Flooded Areas/Turn Around!
Knowing when to pick your battles is an important part of knowing how to drive in heavy rain, especially when it comes to truly flooded patches of road. You may see a large puddle and think, “Yeah, my car will handle this,” but you won’t know for sure until you’re in the middle of it. And if you’re wrong, it’ll be too late to correct your mistake. This includes avoiding off-roading and driving through running water.
6 Rainy Driving Tip #6: Check Your Car Out
Even if it does not take place on the road, this is an important preparation step for driving safely in the rain. In the event of heavy rain or wet conditions, your car’s amenities may be put to the test, so make sure everything is in working order before getting behind the wheel. Your tires must be in good condition to handle the road, and your windshield wipers and lights are essential for visibility.
7 Rainy Driving Tip #7: Use Air Conditioning!
When driving through a deluge of water, the interior of your car can become the home of some pretty powerful condensation, affecting visibility in ways that your wipers and lights cannot. That’s why you should know how to use your air conditioner and heater correctly, as this will allow you to disperse the condensation on the inside of your car, making it easier to see again.
8 Final Thoughts
With so many accidents caused by rainy-day drivers each year, make sure that you simply approach your journey with a degree of extra care. You might arrive a little later, but at least you’ll be safe.
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