How to drive in heavy rain
If you fit tyres designed for rain like all of our Uniroyal tyres, you should be able to enjoy driving in wet conditions. There’s no doubt that rain brings its own challenges, but many of these can be reduced if you know how to drive in heavy rain.
- Watch your speed
- Leave plenty of distance between you and the car in front
- Use your headlights on dipped beam
- Use your air conditioning to prevent internal condensation
- Take your foot off the accelerator if you aquaplane. Do not brake.
How to drive in heavy rain?
Watch your speed and leave plenty of room – a gap of at least four seconds - between you and the car in front. Even if you’re driving with rain tyres, your stopping distances will be greater than on dry roads. If someone’s driving close on your tail, let them pass. It’s better to have them in front of you than behind.
Put your headlights on but keep them on a dipped beam. Do not use your fog lights.
Be conscious of spray from lorries and fast-moving vehicles. This could temporarily reduce your visibility. Equally, be considerate about your own spray and avoid driving fast through puddles close to pedestrians or cyclists.
Breakdown numbers do increase in the rain as damp can cause problems with electrics and engines. If you do break down, keep your bonnet closed to prevent any further damage. Do not try to restart your engine if it has cut out after you’ve driven through deep water.
Driving through puddles can cause aquaplaning if your tyres lose contact with the road surface. If your steering suddenly feels light, take your foot off the accelerator and allow your speed to reduce until you feel in control again. Do not brake until you’ve regained control. At that point it’s a good idea to gently brush your brake pedal to create some friction and heat – and therefore evaporate off any outstanding moisture.
Source: Uniroyal
