Rain, rain, go away! It’ll definitely come again another day… So, it’s important to make sure that you know how to stay safe behind the wheel in wet weather. Rainy days affect your visibility and how well your car can grip the road. But there are a few things you can do to make sure that you’re safe (and dry) in your car this winter.
Before you set off
1. Check your wipers
If you think it’s going to rain, make sure you’ve checked that your wipers are still in good condition. They can wear out over time and, when this happens, they won’t clear your windscreen very well. They’re easy to replace, and you can buy them online or from most car care shops.
2. Fill up before you usually would
Wet weather means that people tend to drive more carefully, to stay safe. This can sometimes mean that traffic builds up. You don’t want to run out of fuel and break down (especially not in the rain!), so make sure that you’ve filled up before you set off. Don’t forget – your lights, wipers, and heaters will use up more fuel too!
3. Make sure your headlights are on
Your headlights will help people to see you when there’s low visibility, such as rainy days. But make sure they’re not too bright, or you could dazzle other drivers. Save your full beam for when you’re alone on the road!
4. Check your tyre treads
Your tyre treads help your car grip the road better. The less tread your tyre has, the less grip your car will have. Make sure that they’re in good condition before you set off, especially on long journeys.
Driving in wet conditions
1. Slow down
Take things slowly. Your car’s grip on the road won’t be as good as usual – so make sure to take corners slowly and give yourself plenty of time to react to other road users.
2. Keep your distance from other vehicles
Your stopping distance can more than double when the roads are wet. Your usual 2-second gap between you and the car in front? Make that 4 - or even more if you want to be extra careful.
3. Watch out for water on the road
Surface water can make it harder for your tyres to grip the road surface, so try to avoid driving through deep puddles if you can. If you can’t go around it, drive nice and slowly.
4. Keep an eye out for lorries or other heavy vehicles
Large, heavy vehicles like lorries can cause a lot of spray, which can reduce visibility even more in the wet. So, make sure to give them plenty of room.
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Other Helpful Links:
- Retrieve your quote
- Stopping Distances: What do you know?
- How Does WiseDriving Black Box Insurance Work?
- 6 Tips for Clearing Your Windscreen This Winter
Correct at the time of publication. Information in this article has been gathered from various sources, therefore WiseDriving cannot be held responsible for any view or opinion expressed herein.
