The summer rains are slowly beginning, which means the summer storms are sure to arrive soon too! Here are our tips for driving in the rain.
Driving in the rain, whether it is a heavy downpour or just a drizzle, can be a difficult situation for even the most skilled drivers.
Rainy conditions are directly linked to higher accident rates. No matter what country you live in, you will most certainly have to drive your car in the rain at some point. Knowing how to handle your vehicle with reduced visibility can help you stay safe when driving in the summer storms of South Africa.
Of course, if you are ever involved in an accident, it helps to have car insurance to help cover the costs of accidents that often happen in the rain. It’s even better if you have car insurance that doesn’t make you go through the hassle of vehicle inspections and also lets you control how much you are covered for and for what cost.
That’s us, Oneplan Car Insurance – we do insurance this way. Why? Because it’s awesome, easy and straightforward.
Related: Our 3 top reasons why you need car insurance
Here are 9 things to know before driving in the rain
1. Don’t drive if you feel uncomfortable
If you are feeling uneasy about an approaching storm, then don’t drive until the weather improves. It is never worth putting yourself in danger.
2. Make sure your car is working properly
Things like:
- Tyre tread
- Windscreen wipers
- Brake pads
- Lights
Should always be working and in tip top shape before every driving your car, especially in the rain.
3. Slow down
This one should be pretty obvious, but slowing down is a big helping point when driving in the rain. When the road is very wet, it is easy for your car to skid out of control, it also makes it harder to control your car and turn it. Try to drive a lot slower when it is raining.
4. Put your lights on
You should always put your lights on when it starts to rain. This helps in other cars being able to see you and also will improve your visibility of the road.
5. Use your windshield wipers even in light rain
This may seem like common sense, but some drivers completely forget to turn on their windscreen wipers in light rain. You can also use special products to help improve the visibility of your windscreen and also help defer some of the rain drops.
Ask your local hardware store about what options you have. Replace your wipers if you hear a scraping noise or see some evident streaks in the blades left on your screen.
6. Keep your following distance
Do not – we repeat – DO NOT drive right up behind the car in front of you. When it’s raining, it is harder for your car to stop in time because of the slippery roads. Keep a following distance of two seconds.
The 2 rule is a rule of thumb by which a driver may maintain a safe trailing distance at any speed. The rule is that you as the driver should stay at least 2 seconds behind any car that is directly in front of yours.
7. Avoid any heavy braking
Try to slow your car down by taking your foot off the accelerator sooner than you normally would when you know you are coming up to a stop. heavily can lead to your car skidding out of control.
Discover: How to Tell if Your Brake Pads Need Replacing: 5 Important Signs
8. Avoid any puddles or big pools of water
Stay clear of any standing water as driving through this could lead to your car aquaplaning/hydroplaning (skidding across the water) and you losing control.
How to handle your car when it hydroplanes:
- Immediately take your foot off the accelerator.
- This may seem strange, but gently turn your steering wheel in the direction your car is hydroplaning. So, if it is going left, turn in this direction. Turning the other way can cause your tyres to lock.
- Avoid making sudden turns or slamming on your brakes.
- Wait to feel the tires reconnect with the surface of the road.
9. Control the fog
Rain can often cause the windows in your car to mist up. If this happens, turn on your aircon or pull over until you can clearly see through your windows again.
We hope these tips help you to get where you’re going, even in the rain. Stay safe on the roads this summer!
Your Insurance Family,
Oneplan
