It’s very different driving in rainy season with strong winds than it is to drive on a calm road on a bright, sunny day. In such conditions, the majority of automobile owners are reluctant to even exit their vehicles. If you believe your vehicle and your driving prowess cannot withstand the effects of the rain, staying indoors until absolutely necessary is also a wise decision. But what happens when you have to leave the house in the pouring rain, with poor visibility and unidentified potholes?
This wet weather safety advice might be helpful in such a situation. You ought to be aware of the safety measures you may take to keep both your automobile and your drive in the rain as safe as possible.
As much as we’d like to think otherwise, driving in the rain is not as relaxing as it appears in movies. Typically, it is the squealing sound of horns, heavy traffic, and a large number of stressed-out drivers.
Let’s get to the advice without further ado.

Tyres

Starting with the most obvious, tyres are crucial to your safety, particularly if you’re driving during a season when cars are prone to sliding. Did you know that during the rainy season, the number of accidents almost doubles and that most of them are caused by drivers who don’t estimate their own tyres? Tyres endure a lot of friction and wear and tear while keeping the automobile on the road.
It would be wise to change the tyres before the rainy season if you have any plans to do so. The wet surface decreases tyre grip and might result in a loss of control. Balding tyres can contribute to slippage since they drastically diminish grip on icy or wet surfaces.
Remember that the tyre depth is crucial, and make sure they are within the authorized tyre tread depth recommendation to ensure you have a safe level of traction on the road. Drive cautiously, avoiding puddles and waters of unknown depths, and if you encounter aquaplaning—where your car begins to float—don’t freak out.
Don’t use the brake; just gently depress the accelerator. As soon as you slow down, you’ll start to have greater control over the vehicle.

Lights

Another crucial component of your car that keeps you safe on the road while it’s pouring, especially at night when driving in torrential rain, is the lights.
Before going outside in the rain, it’s important to check all the lights, especially the stop, reverse and fog lights. Turning on your headlights while driving in the rain will not only improve your visibility and aid in navigation, but it will also make your car more visible to other motorists, reducing the risk of accidents. Ensure your headlights are dipped so other drivers can your headlights are dipped so that other drivers may see your car more readily. Rear fog lights should not be used since they might obscure your brake lights and blind traffic behind you.
When everything is hazy, foggy, and dark, lights are a proven method to lead you through the crowd.

Brakes

The effectiveness of your brakes may be less than it would be under regular weather and conditions. Keeping a safe distance from the car in front of you on slick and wet roads is recommended to keep a safe distance from the car in front of you on slick and wet roads since the brake may not apply as suddenly as you would want. Always lean on the side of caution.
In order to better prepare yourself for the slowing and final halt, attempt to let off the gas pedal a little bit earlier than you normally would. Additionally, it is advised against using cruise control when it is raining.

When you emerge from a puddle, if you have been in one, you must immediately check your brakes. The extra moisture on the brake pads has to be evaporated since a wet brake will not function well. In order to do this, go slowly and gently until you hit the brakes. This will provide heat to dry the water while also assisting you in evaluating its efficacy. Before you resume driving at a regular speed, be sure they are operating effectively.
The anti-locking braking system is excellent at controlling the automobile, holding on to it, and securely handling sudden dips. But being cautious is usually a smart idea. Before the rainy season, have your brakes tested by a reputable service provider.

Standing Water

A number of puddles and standing water, which might have any depth and contain debris, resulted from a severe downpour. It is not advised to drive through them unless absolutely necessary. Make sure to step out of the car and use a stick to measure the depth if you must travel through that path. Your ability to drive across it without floating or hydroplaning will be determined by this.
When you lose control of your vehicle and slide across the road’s surface, this is called hydroplaning. & that’s not what we want!
Avoid standing water at all costs, and if your automobile does hydroplane, gently ease up on the gas and turn your steering wheel to point the front of the vehicle in the right direction. Make sure you’re not attempting to use the brakes forcefully or make abrupt turns.

Foggy Windows

Rain causes the humidity to rise, which causes your windows to get hazy. This reduces vision and makes driving the car on the road challenging. Most automobiles feature a ventilation system or a defrost option that can help lessen the amount of fog that forms on the inside of the windscreen and glass.
Verify that you have access to and can use these choices. It is preferable to stop and wait if the vision becomes too poor.

Windscreen Wipers: A Must-Have

Your best tool for driving in the rainy season is a functioning windshield wiper; therefore, check their condition. The rubber edges of windshield wipers that push the water begin to fracture and flake as they get older. This might result in the wiper not operating well, which would make it challenging for you to see through the windscreen.
Proper wipers will remove the moisture from your windshield’s center, allowing you to see clearly. You may adjust the settings to your preference and prevent water from getting on your windshield.

Slow Down

The oil and grease that the vehicles have spilt onto the road tend to rise back to the surface when it begins to rain. This results in extremely slippery driving conditions. When driving in the rain, take it slow and light on the pedal. Follow the speed limit, and it would be best if you drove more slowly than normal. Wet roads are hazardous, and your car wouldn’t react as quickly as it would on a bright day.

Stay Updated

Turn on the radio and check the internet for real-time traffic reports to stay current on any potential accidents, closures, or catastrophes.
To find out whether there are any road closures or accidents, listen to the radio or check the live traffic reports online. Plan your route to avoid traffic and take into account the weather at the time.

Aware and Alert

Driving in this weather is already challenging, and if you’re distracted, it might be catastrophic. Try to avoid performing any other tasks or using your phone while driving. Keep an eye on the road and be aware of your surroundings to look out for any potential dangers. You should double-check before making turns or approaching any crossroads because of the reduced visibility and vehicles.

Read more: A Guide To Smart Motorways And How To Navigate Them Safely!

More time

Being late for everything when driving amid inclement weather. For this reason, it is a good idea to allow more time for travel.
When it’s pouring, everyone drives slowly, and blocked roads may make things much worse. To account for the slower speed of traffic, be sure to give yourself 10 to 30 minutes of extra time. Because you won’t be running late, this will also make it easier for you to panic and drive faster.
The final advice for driving in rainy season is now available. Please feel free to ask any questions in the comments area below. Contact BodyTeq for all of your automobile maintenance requirements.