Driving Safely In Wet Conditions

Environmental conditions change and with it, so should your driving style. Unfortunately, many people maintain their normal speeds and driving tactics regardless of whether it’s sunny out there or there’s a torrential downpour. Not only is this bad for your tires, it’s also hazardous to the safety of yourself and other drivers around you. Today we look at key driving tips when facing wet conditions on the road.

1) Drive If and When You’re Comfortable

If the weather looks too heavy to face, wait it out a bit if you can and leave when the storm has calmed down a bit. Some drivers aren’t comfortable driving in wet conditions, and this tends to cause anxious driving, which can be hazardous. Rather trust another driver who is more familiar and comfortable driving in the rain.

2) Drive Much Slower

Trying to stick to your usual driving speed while the road is slippery and wet will never yield the same results as driving that speed on a dry road. Reduce your driving speed to as slow as is appropriate under the conditions and maintain a larger following distance from the car in front of you. Remember that visibility is reduced and stopping time may be longer in wet conditions, so leave enough room and time to brake safely if something happens.

3) Turn on Your Headlights

Ensuring visibility during rainy conditions is vital, as it’s quite easy to overlook an oncoming vehicle in the mist of rainfall. Keep your lights on and ensure that you are as visible as possible while driving.

4) Visibility Is Crucial

The conditions outside your car will cause reduced visibility, while inside windows tend to become fogged up, all of which is hazardous to your driving ability. Use your windshield wipers and make use of your car’s air conditioning system to eliminate the fog from windows. If the fog seems to persist, there might be a problem with your air conditioning. Get it checked out.

5) Look Out for Pools Of Water

Sometimes water collects in dips in the road and creates dangerous pools of water where your car can’t maintain proper traction at a higher speed. Keep driving at a slow pace and if you see a water puddle ahead, slow down even further and carefully proceed through it. Speeding through these bodies of water results in aquaplaning, where your car loses all control and grip and can result in bad road accidents. 

Always remember to practice caution on the road, whatever the weather conditions are. Contact us in Auckland to visit a tyre shop near me – our professional team of experts will ensure your car stays safe and on the road.