Taking the car on a rainy day can be a very pleasant experience for some, as it makes them feel calmer and more relaxed, while others do not like it. However, if there is something we have to do it is always respect road safety regulations, and especially on days when the rain falls.
To avoid problems, we offer you a series of tips for driving in the rain.
Keep a safe distance
This is the most important thing. If the driver in front of you brakes suddenly, your car must have enough space to stop in time. Roads can be very slippery when it rains, so it is advisable to leave several tens of meters between cars. For example: uterine
- If you are driving on a road with a speed limit of 90 km/h, the safety distance must be 81 meters.
- If you are driving on a road with a speed limit of 100 km/h, the safety distance must be 100 meters.
- If you are driving on a road with a speed limit of 120 km/h, the safety distance must be 120 meters.
Avoid puddles
Although they seem shallow to you, avoid them. Puddles prevent the tires from adhering well to the road, to the point that sudden braking would cause hydroplaning, and you could lose control of the vehicle.
Check the condition of the brushes
While driving it is very important to be able to see, so if you have to drive in the rain make sure the windshield wipers are in perfect conditionA well-maintained wiper blade is vital to prevent compromised visibility, especially during intense storms.
Put the lights on
When it rains, visibility is usually low or even very low, so you must turn on the low beamsAnd if you can barely see anything, also use the rear fog lights so other drivers can see you and avoid an accident. Remember to keep your lights on even during the day so they can see you; during periods of heavy rain, this is even more crucial.
The importance of vehicle control
When you're behind the wheel, especially in rainy conditions, it's critical that you're in control. This means:
- Drive with both hands on the wheel,
- stay calm in case the vehicle hydroplanes,
- avoid any sudden maneuvers that could destabilize the vehicle.
Aquaplaning: What is it and how to avoid it?
Aquaplaning is a dangerous phenomenon that occurs when tires lose contact with the road due to water accumulation. This can happen if:
- You are driving at high speed on a wet surface.
- The tires do not have enough tread depth.
- The tires are underinflated or damaged.
To avoid aquaplaning, it is recommended:
- Reduce the speed at which you drive.
- Be gentle with the brakes and accelerator.
- Do not make sudden changes of direction.
Avoid white lines or markings on the road
Another tip for driving in the rain is to avoid driving over the white lines drawn on the asphalt. These can be especially slippery when wet, increasing the risk of losing control of your vehicle.
Drive smoothly and without sudden movements
It's always safer to drive smoothly and efficiently, especially on rainy days. This way, other drivers can anticipate your movements and be alert to avoid potential collisions:
- Adjust your speed to the road conditions. Remember, the important thing is to get to your destination!
- Treat the brake pedal more gently.
- Changes in maneuvers should be fluid and not abrupt.
- If you want to change lanes, do so gradually and clearly signal with your turn signals so other drivers can anticipate this overtaking.
Don't forget to always be visible!
Always keep your low beam or dipped headlights on; this will make it easier for others to see you. Also, if it's raining heavily, we recommend turning on your rear fog lights. This is not only a matter of safety, but it's also a legal requirement in many places.
Prevent your windows from fogging up
To do this, turn on the heater and you'll reduce the humidity level inside the vehicle. You can also direct the warm air toward the windows to defog them even faster. Finally, don't forget to turn on the rear window heater.
If your car doesn't have air conditioning, opening the window will help balance the interior temperature with the outside temperature and prevent fogging on the windows. Maintaining visibility is key to safe driving in the rain.
Prepare the car for rain
Vehicle preparation is crucial to avoid accidents. Some aspects to check before leaving include:
- Tires: Make sure they are in good condition, with sufficient depth and the correct pressure to water evacuation.
- Wiper: Replace the wiper blades if they are worn to ensure good visibility.
- Lights: Check that all lights are working properly.
- Brakes: Check the condition of your brakes, as braking distance increases in rainy conditions.
Additional tips for driving in heavy rain
Here are some more tips for situations where the rain is heavy:
- When the rain is very heavy, consider stopping in a safe place until visibility improves.
- Avoid sudden braking. Instead, reduce your speed gradually.
- Pay attention to splashes from other vehicles, as they can reduce your visibility.
Following these tips can help you stay safe while driving in the rain. The key is preparation and paying attention to the surrounding conditions. Remember that a small change in your driving behavior can make all the difference in critical situations. Drive safely!
