Motorists must be prepared when driving in wet weather, a driving expert has warned.
With breakdown data revealing that car owners are more likely to have problems during periods of wet weather, motorists should avoid unnecessary trips if heavy downpour occurs as heavy rain can reduce visibility and put road users in danger.
For those safe to get out on the road, Tim Rodie, expert at Motorpoint shares five pieces of advice for anyone driving in the rain and water-logged areas.
Avoid driving through standing water
“Wet weather can cause flooded roads and a host of other issues for motorists. If you come across a pool of standing water on your route, only continue if you know the water is shallow and does not exceed 10cm deep. If it is safe to drive through, drive slowly and steadily at around 4mph.
“Don’t risk permanent damage to your car by going through deep standing water, as this can cause your tires to lose contact with the road, also known as aquaplaning. You also risk flooding your car and damaging your engine or electrical systems which can cost motorists up to £700 in repairs.”
Don’t brake if you find yourself aquaplaning
“Aquaplaning can lead to a crash. If you do find yourself driving through standing water and your steering suddenly feels lighter, you could be aquaplaning. To regain control, ease off the accelerator, do not brake and allow your speed to reduce – this should help you regain full control of your steering again.”
Double the distance
“In the rain, your stopping distance could be double what it would be normally, because your tyres will have less grip on the road. If you’re driving at 30mph, I’d suggest leaving at least 12 car lengths between you and any other vehicles, so you have more time to react and stop in an emergency.
“Windy weather can cause additional hazards to watch out for, so as well as keeping distance, ensure that you have enough room either side of your vehicle so you can account for strong winds that may blow you sideways in the road.”
Complete essential checks
“Before heading out into heavy rain, make sure you complete vital checks on your car, including checking your wipers, lights and brakes are all working correctly.
“Your front and rear windscreen wipers should work without smearing or squeaking, if you experience either, it’s a sign that they’re warn down and need replacing.
“To test your brakes, gently press the brake paddle before setting off. If you feel the pedal feel soft, slack, pulling back or pushing all the way to the floor, avoid driving and get them checked out by an expert.”
Pay special attention to the state of your tyres
“You need to be mindful of the state of your tyres all year round, but it’s even more important in rainy weather. Make sure your tyres have good traction and can grip the road; this means checking how much tread is left on your tyres and that they are inflated to the correct pressure.
“Legally, all cars are required to have a minimum of 1.6mm thread across the central 75% of any tyre surface. When driving conditions are hazardous, it is essential that all motorists are checking their tyre tread before they make a trip.
“The easiest way to check your tyre tread is to take a 20p piece and insert it into the grooves on each of your tyres – if you can’t see the outer band on the coin then you’re above the legal limit and are safe to drive.”
Image: iStock/submitted
