Tips To Drive in Extreme Rain

10 Tips to Drive Safely in Rain

You need a defensive driving mindset and quick reaction time to stay safe while driving in extreme monsoon. Here are the top 10 tips to ensure you navigate wet roads safely:

1. Drive Slow

The most important rule while driving in rainy weather is to reduce your speed. Speed limits are set for ideal conditions, such as dry roads and clear visibility. In rain, the tyre traction decreases due to wet surfaces, increasing the risk of skidding and longer braking distances. Driving at a slower speed helps maintain better control and grip on the road. It also prevents the car from skidding.

2. Keep Headlights Turned On

The visibility reduces in extreme rain, which is why, manually turn on your headlights to ensure proper visibility. Avoid using high beams, as that would reflect off the water droplets in the air, decreasing your visibility.

3. Maintain Distance

Maintain a proper distance from the vehicle in front of you. It provides you with more time to process information and physical space to stop. A safe gap acts as a buffer, helping you maintain control and avoid collisions if the vehicle ahead slows down suddenly.

4. Avoid Sudden Braking

One of the most important driving practices in wet conditions is to brake gently and in a controlled manner. Hard or sudden braking can cause the wheels to lock, increasing the risk of skidding on slippery roads. Instead, begin slowing down earlier than usual and apply steady, gradual pressure on the brakes. This not only keeps your car stable but also gives the driver behind you an early, clear warning that you are slowing down.

5. Be Wary of Standing Water

Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between your wheels and the road surface, causing the vehicle to lose traction and stop responding to control inputs. If you see a large puddle, try to go around it (if safe) or slow down significantly before reaching it. Never drive through moving water, as it can sweep a vehicle off the road.

6. Avoid Using Cruise Control

Cruise control should not be used in rainy or wet conditions. It is designed to maintain a constant speed, which can reduce your control over the vehicle when road conditions change suddenly. In case of hydroplaning, the system may try to maintain speed by accelerating, which can cause the wheel to slip and reduce stability. Keeping full manual control over acceleration and speed allows you to react quickly and adjust your driving according to road grip and visibility.

7. Follow in the Tracks of the Vehicle Ahead

When a car moves through the rain, it leaves dry marks of its tyres for a while. You can align the tyres of your vehicle with these tracks, and allow the vehicle in front of you to clear water from the road. It gives your tyres better access to the road surface.

8. Use the Defroster and Air Conditioning

Rain increases the humidity inside the car, causing windows to fog up. Clear windows are essential for accident prevention. You must turn on your front and rear defrosters and keep the AC running. The air conditioner then acts as a dehumidifier, pulling moisture out of the cabin air and preventing fogging.

9. Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions

Driving in the rain requires extra caution. You must be extra careful to avoid any unforeseen events in heavy downpours. Avoid using any digital devices, adjusting the digital console, or talking on the phone. Keep your eyes on the road, and do not take your hands off the steering wheel. You can avoid multiple hazardous circumstances by simply being mindful.

10. Know the Initial Rain Danger Zone

The first 10 to 15 minutes of a rainstorm are often the most dangerous. During dry spells, oil, grease, and engine fluids build up on the road. It mixes with these oils to create a greasy road that is extremely slippery to drive on. Be extra cautious as soon as the rain begins.

How to Maintain Your Car for Rainy Weather?

Keeping your vehicle in good condition significantly reduces the risk of breakdowns and improves overall road safety during the rainy season. Here are a few tips for the same:

1. Check Tyres

Your tyres are the most important safety feature on your car during a storm. The space between the outer lines in your tyres are designed to channel water away from the center. There should be enough space for water to pass through. Similarly, under-inflated tyres have a flatter contact patch that can result in hydroplaning. Check your tyre pressure monthly to ensure they are at the manufacturer's recommended PSI.

2. Inspect Wiper Blades

If your wiper blades are leaving marks and making a squeaking sound, you need to replace them as soon as possible. High-quality wiper blades are relatively inexpensive and can help prevent collisions to improving visibility during rain.

3. Check the Braking System

Ensure your vehicle's brake pads are effective. In the rainy weather, wet brakes are less effective. If you happen to drive through a waterlogged area, press your brakes gently afterward to dry them through friction.

4. Check Vehicle Lighting

Ensure all vehicle lights, including headlights, tail lights, brake lights, hazard lights, and turn indicators, are functioning properly. In rainy conditions, these lights are crucial for visibility and for communicating your movements to other drivers, helping to prevent accidents.