How to Drive Safely in Wet Road Conditions
Driving in wet weather can present a whole new range of challenges to a driver, which can make the experience more demanding and stressful. However as long as you have the right knowledge, preparation and adjust your driving style accordingly it is possible to make safe and smooth progress in adverse wet weather conditions.
With increased levels of water on the road acting as a lubricant, the level of grip available to your tyres is significantly reduced, and it easy to skid or lose control of your vehicle. Even if your car has anti lock brakes or stability control it will still take considerably longer to stop on a wet road than it would on a dry one.
Remember because your tyres have less grip available to them, you need to be much smoother with your steering, braking and accelerating inputs. When applying the brake for example, initially apply a gentle pressure and then steadily build up the force needed to stop. Because of the adverse conditions it is a good idea to increase your safety margins by leaving a four second gap between you and the car in front of you.
Aquaplaning can be a drivers worse fear when driving in the rain. It occurs when the tyre rises up and surfs on the standing water on the road, resulting in a loss of grip and instability. A driver will normally feel when this is happening by the steering wheel feeling very light or by a sudden tug at the wheel. If your car is aquaplaning you must fight the temptation to steer or brake, as this could result in a massive loss of control. Instead gently ease off the throttle and as the car slows down the tyres will regain their contact with the road surface and your control we be restored.
Aquaplaning normally only occurs at high speed on wet roads, and can often occur when driving on a motorway in the rain. Therefore if the rain is persistent and you can see that there is standing water on the road, be aware that aquaplaning is a very likely possibility and reduce your speed accordingly.
The level of grip from your tyres will play a factor in the stability and control of your car during the rain. The legal minimum tread depth is set at 1.6mm, however many motoring organisations now recognise that ideally tyres should be changed when the depth falls below 3mm to ensure adequate grip in all conditions.
One of the biggest problems when driving in rain is the reduced visibility and which is why wiper blade manufacturers recommend that you replace your blades every 6 months. Ensuring that they are always in peak condition to clear the water away quickly, without leaving obscuring streaks or marks. It is also a good idea to keep your windscreen washer bottle topped up with screen wash so you can quickly clear any dirt or grime.
Alongside the rain obscuring vision on the outside of the windows you may also find that the inside of the glass has also misted up as well. To clear the mist switch your heater fan or air conditioning on to maximum or open a window to allow the air to circulate and clear the mist. Remember other drivers will also by experiencing reduced visibility so it is a good idea to switch your car headlights bulbs on whenever it is raining.
There is no doubt driving in the rain has it challenges and potential hazards, however if your vehicle is in good condition, you adapt your driving style accordingly, and increase your safety margins it can still be possible to make safe progress.
About the Author:Jo Alexander is an online, freelance journalist and keen windsurfer. Jo lives by the sea in Essex.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - How to Drive Safely in Wet Road Conditions