Top 5 driving tips to keep safe during wet weather – avoid £5,000 fine
Driving in the rain offers many challenges, and excess water on the roads could lead to delays, accidents, and damage to your vehicles.
However, regardless of the weather, driving remains a necessity for many people around the country. Whether it’s heading to work or popping to do the weekly shop, it’s important that motorists stay cautious in wet conditions.
Motoring and cycling retailer Halfords has compiled a list of the top five tips to keep drivers safe during wet weather.
From approaching large bodies of water, to identifying wet breaks and knowing how to dry them – these top tips can help you stay safe come rain or shine and help you avoid costly mistakes or fines.
1. If you can see that the road ahead is flooded…
If you are approaching a road and can see that it is flooded, the first thing you should do is try and find an alternative route. If that is not possible, check if you can see where the flood ends or if there are any curbs or verges that can help you determine the depth of the water.
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Most cars have 5-6 inches of ground clearance – just taller than an average fizzy drink can. Drivers should be cautious of the fact that the flood water may be hiding debris, potholes or open drains.
2. If you’ve driven through water…
And your engine begins to make an unusual sound, you must turn off your car and seek the help of a professional before restarting. It takes as little as an egg-cup full of water entering your engine to cause a lot of damage and lead to expensive repairs.
3. How to know if your brakes are wet? (and how to dry them)
If you’ve driven through water there is a chance that your brakes will be wet. This will feel as though you’re having to push harder on your brakes and that your vehicle is reducing speed more slowly.
It is important not to stop when exiting water, but do so at a slow speed (around 5-15 mph) and gently apply pressure to the brake pedal for periods of 2-3 seconds between four to five times or until you can feel the brakes become more responsive.
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However, if you notice that your brakes still feel heavy and slow, pull over and seek assistance from a professional.
4. If water gets inside of your car…
The best option is to leave all of your windows and doors open to allow some fresh air inside the car. It is advisable to remove any mats to assist with drying. Leaving the engine running has little effect on drying the interior of the car, and it’s better to pick up a dehumidifier, such as Halford’s Simply Reusable Car Dehumidifier (£7.99) to speed up drying time.
5. Don’t splash
Braking speeds are affected when there’s excess water on the roads, so it is very important to reduce your speed. Many motorists don’t realise that splashing pedestrians as a result of driving too quickly through water, whether that be puddles or flooding, can land them a hefty £5,000 fine.
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