Summer rain can create hazardous driving conditions – particularly after a prolonged dry spell.
Whatever the temperature outside, the same advice for driving in rain applies. You should slow down, use dipped headlights, turn on your windshield wipers and keep your distance from the vehicle in front.
The Highway Code says that in wet weather, stopping distances will be at least twice those required for stopping on dry roads. This is because your car’s tires have less grip.
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However, as an American motoring organization points out, drivers are at greater risk in the moments immediately after it starts raining. Dr Bill Van Tassel, AAA national manager of driving training programs, said: “Conditions are most dangerous during the first 10 minutes of a heavy downpour, as oil and debris first rise to the road’s surface, then wash away.
“Knowing how to handle poor traction reduces the potential for hydroplaning [aquaplaning]skidding or sliding off the road completely.”
This view was echoed by Howard Robinson, former chief executive of the Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA), who said: “Wet roads after a prolonged hot, dry period can become slippery. In addition to ensuring that their tires are in good condition and properly inflated, motorists should slow down and drive with care.
“During periods of prolonged hot weather, the bitumen in asphalt roads ‘bleeds’ through to the surface, reducing the texture depth and wet skidding resistance.”
Prepare your car for summer rain
The preparation for driving in summer rain begins before you start your journey; it’s too late if you get caught in a sudden downpour on the motorway. The following pointers should keep you safe:
- Check your windshield wipers and replace them if necessary. Drivers of older vehicles could consider upgrading to newer ‘aero’ wipers.
- Ensure that you have sufficient windshield washer fluid. Road grime, dead insects and dust can leave a greasy film on the car’s windscreen, which could restrict your vision with the wipers turned on.
- Check your tires. Although the legal tire tread depth is 1.6mm, we recommend changing your tires when the depth reaches 3mm. Also ensure that tires are inflated to the correct pressure.
- Check the weather forecast. If possible, time your journey to coincide with dry weather.
How to drive in summer rain
You’ve set off towards the summer sunset, but the weather has other ideas. Here are some tips for driving more safely in wet and warm conditions.
- Used dipped headlights – don’t switch to automatic headlights.
- Don’t rely on your daytime running lights. These could dazzle oncoming drivers in low-light conditions.
- Don’t use fog lights, which can mask brake lights and dazzle other motorists.
- Slow down to give yourself more time to react to hazards such as queuing traffic and standing water. The faster you drive, the greater the risk of aquaplaning (when a layer of water builds up between the car’s tires and the road).
- Allow at least twice the stopping distance between you and the vehicle in front.
- Do not use cruise control.
For more general advice on driving in heavy rain and floods, check out the RAC’s in-depth guide.
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