Driving in Rain

Did you know that according to the Met Office, we have an average of 106 days of rain per year in the UK? So there is a good possibility that you will spend a large amount of your time driving in rain. The British weather is known for being unpredictable. One minute it could be toasting hot and the next torrential rainfall. It’s advisable to always have an alternative route planned in case your initial route is unsuitable.  You should consider that some country lanes and other small roads may become blocked due to flooding.

Driving in Rain – Being Prepared

If possible, avoid driving in heavy rain and other treacherous conditions. Consider alternatives like public transport. If you drive into work, speak to your employer in advance about home-working arrangements when the weather is bad. This is especially important if you live in a rural area which is prone to flooding or snow. If you have to set off in dangerous weather conditions, leave extra time for your journey. If not, it might be better to stay in, have a cup of tea, and wait until the rain passes. That’s far better than getting stuck in a queue or, worse, at the side of the road with a crashed or broken-down car as the heavens open.

Driving in Rain – Essential Winter Kit

Before a long journey, check the local weather forecast for warnings of heavy rain or snowy weather. DO NOT drive in these conditions unless your journey is essential. If it is, take great care and allow more time for your journey. You should consider taking warm clothing and boots, jump leads, torch and a first aid kit.  You should also take a warm drink and emergency food in case you get stuck or your vehicle breaks down. Always try and tell someone of your journey. In wet weather, stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads. This is because your tyres have less grip on the road.

Rule 227 of The Highway Code States that,

• You should keep well back from the vehicle in front. This will increase your ability to see and plan ahead.
• If the steering becomes unresponsive, it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road. Ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually.
• The rain and spray from vehicles may make it difficult to see and be seen
• Be aware of the dangers of spilt diesel that will make the surface very slippery
• Take extra care around pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders.

Driving in Rain – Basic Checks

DTC Driving Test Services would suggest that you acronym F.L.O.W.E.R.Y. and check the following. That’s Fuel, Lights, Oil, Water, Electrics, Rubber Yourself. Check that you have enough fuel for the journey. Check both oil and water. The water is the windscreen is most important as it will be required to clear spray from other vehicles. Electrics, especially the wipers and heating is vital. Rubber includes both the wiper blades and the tyres. Regularly checking tyres to ensure they’re in good condition and have a tread depth of at least 3mm to be safe in the wet.

Tips for Driving in Rain

Driving in Rain Tip 1

Before you even set off, point the air vent toward your feet and put the warm air on full blast. Your Shoes are likely to be wet from the walk to the car. Drying your shoes will reduce the possibility of slipping off the pedals. Once your shoes are dry, point the air vent to the Windows. If your vehicle is fitted with air conditioning have the air conditioning on. Make sure that your demisters are on. Do not move the vehicle until you can fully see clearly through each and every window.

Driving in Rain Tip 2

Use your headlights. In some countries such as the United States and Australia, this is the law. Many drivers wonder why to have the headlights on. When it rains you will notice of the windows get all misted up. There are always some drivers out there who drive without demisting the windows. Having your headlights on means those drivers will be able to see your vehicle much earlier. So they’ll be less chance of them hitting you. We use the headlights not just to see but to be seen.

Driving in Rain Tip 3

Remember the stopping distance is doubled. So Keep your distance away from the vehicle in front. Break earlier and lighter approach to traffic lights junctions bends. In slow-moving traffic tires and Tamar are very important. Bearing in mind that the road markings are all on the tarmac. Markings such as keep clear signs.

Driving in Rain Tip 4

Watch out for puddles, Showing extra consideration for pedestrians and cyclists. Not only will you cause anger by splashing a pedestrian or cyclist but you end up with £120 fine and three penalty points on your driving licence. Even though no pedestrians or cyclists about when you see a large puddle check mirrors and if it saved go around the puddle. If it is not safe to go around the puddle, simply slow your speed down. You never know what’s in the puddle. There could even be a brick in the puddle. 

Driving in the Rain – Aquaplaning 

You might have heard of the term ‘aquaplaning’, but what it means? Aquaplaning is basically means that the car counter too much water on the road that the tyres can not clear. Once the tyres lose contact with the road, you’re effectively ‘surfing’ along on top of the water.  You can tell when you’re aquaplaning because of the vehicle with feel light and unresponsive. If it happens to you, resist the temptation to brake. Braking will certainly cause you to skid, which could have disastrous consequences. Instead, take your foot off the accelerator, pedal gently, and allow the car to slow down by itself while keeping the steering pointing in the direction of travel.

Driving in the Rain – Driving through a Flood

Driving through deep water can cause serious damage to your car which might not be covered by your insurance company. Avoid driving through a flood. Watch other cars driving through to get a feel for how deep the water is. If there are no other cars around, don’t risk it. Don’t drive too fast, as this might cause you to aquaplane. Instead, find a steady speed you’re comfortable with. Once to start driving through the flood, don’t slow down or stop. Doing so may cause the water to be sucked up by the exhaust pipe, which likely to cause expensive damage, potentially even writing the car off. As you come out of the flood, test your brakes before continuing your journey.

Taking Your Driving Test in the Rain

Taking your driving test in the rain is slightly harder than if it was not raining. However, luckily, there is only a hand full of things which you need to remember. DTC UK has produced a Youtube video called “Unknown Secret – How to deal with rain in the driving test”