What You Should Keep in Mind While Driving in the Rain

Posted on: Jun 21, 2022 | | Written by:

What You Should Keep in Mind While Driving in the Rain

Points to Keep in Mind while Driving in Rain

When you’re used to driving under normal conditions, there’s muscle memory that sets in. Change the driving conditions to rain, and you’ll realise how you need to make tweaks to avoid mishaps. Wet roads and cars with metal moving parts are not the best of friends, and should ideally stay apart, if possible. However, weather conditions can change any moment, and travelling may not be avoidable.

So, keep your car insurance papers handy, just in case of an emergency, and follow these tips

1. Do a tyre check

Tyre health is crucial in ensuring safe driving conditions. Check the treads of your tyres and ensure they haven’t worn out. If you can insert a 10 Rupee coin in the tread and not see the gold ring, you’re good to go. But if you do see the ring, then perhaps it’s time to buy a new set of tyres, as your treads have worn out to an unsafe degree. Without adequate tread depth, you will not have the grip required to navigate slippery roads. Also, check the tyre pressure as it affects handling and breaking distance. Fill the tyres up to the recommended pressure and then head out.

2. Check the lights

All your lights must be in working condition, including head lamps, tail lamps, brake lights, fog lamps, daytime running lights, and your internal cabin lights. During heavy rains, it’s often difficult to see through the rain, which is why you need all the light resources at your disposal. During foggy conditions too, low visibility is hazardous. Keep your lights on, including those in the cabin, so that others on the road are aware of your presence as well.

3. Make sure the wipers are fine

Without functioning wipers, you would most likely have to be stationary, as visibility would be down to near zero. You wouldn’t be able to make out shapes and distances, and everything will be blurry. Even at low speeds, and low rain conditions, you will have difficulty seeing ahead. Ensure you have fully functioning wipers, which do not leave a spot. Clean out your wipers regularly, to remove any potential blockages due to dirt or wiper fluid congealment. Replace the wipers if the rubber washers have been irreversibly bent or distorted.

4. Do an air-conditioner check

While air-conditioners are a no-brainer during the scorching summer months, it is crucial even in rainy conditions. You’re most likely going to close the windows and will then need fresh air circulation inside. Furthermore, windscreen fogging occurs when there’s a difference in pressure and temperature between the outside and inside of the car. With the AC adjusted to the right temperature, you can prevent window fogging, and ensure clear visibility.

5. Drive slowly

Driving slowly will allow you to see potholes and hazardous obstacles in time for you to slow down further and avoid damaging your car. Furthermore, it will prevent aquaplaning, which occurs when the tyres don’t get enough time to find grip on the road, resulting in a thin film of water between the tyres and road, which causes your vehicle to slip and slide. Keep about 5-6 seconds’ worth distance with the car in front to give yourself enough room to brake safely.

6. Be careful with potholes

Potholes can be deceptively deep and avoiding them is your best bet. But if it’s unavoidable, observe how the car in front wades through it. If the water is above the door sills, avoid it altogether. If it’s below the door sills, gently keep the foot on the accelerator to avoid water from seeping into the exhaust pipe. Finally, avoid travelling during heavy rains if you can help it. There’s always the risk of pothole damage, engine damage, crash and corrosion when driving in such conditions. If you cannot avoid it, then drive down the middle of the road, where water will be at its lowest, and drive slowly. Make yourself visible, and stay attentive to everything around you, to reach your destination safely. In case of any mishap, contact your car insurance provider and seek assistance.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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