Driving in Heavy Rain?

The Good Garage Scheme would like to thank the Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) for this week's guest blog with welcome advice on driving in heavy rain.

Don't forget to charge your phone and download the Good Garage Scheme's Free app before you set off for a drive in bad weather.

Ensure your drive is as safe as possible with the following tips from the IAM.

• Before setting off, check for any weather alerts, traffic updates or planned road closures that may affect your journey. Only travel in extreme adverse weather conditions if it is really necessary.
• Check the lights and windscreen wiper blades are clean and working properly. Also check the tyre pressure and tread depth to ensure the best possible grip on wet surfaces.
• Plan your route in advance and try to avoid any roads that are prone to flooding, even if it extends your journey.
• Heavy rain often leads to damaged road surfaces and puddles can hide deep potholes. ­ Look for clues such as loose chunks of tarmac.
• In heavy rain, don¹t forget to switch on your dipped headlights so other motorists can see you easily. Reduce your speed when travelling in the rain to increase your stopping distance. This will also help you pass through large puddles and potholes smoothly without spraying other road users or risking aquaplaning.
• Torrential rain may interfere with the electrics of a vehicle causing a breakdown. Prepare for the worst by keeping your mobile phone charged and with the number of your breakdown service provider already saved on it.
• While you wait for help, keep your bonnet closed as soaking the engine will only make it worse.

Mark Lewis, the IAM's Director of Standards said, "Driving in heavy rain can be very hazardous, so please allow for the increased time and distance. Remember to lift your vision and always be mindful of vulnerable road users who need more time to react to a hazard. As long as you drive carefully and take extra care in the rain, your journey should be a smooth one."

With thanks to the IAM, the UK's largest independent road safety charity, dedicated to improving standards and safety in driving and motorcycling.  For more information about the IAM, visit their website.

More Rain Predicted...Wet Weather Driving Advice from the Good Garage Scheme

Most of us have seen some heavy rain over the past few days and the weather reports warn of more to come with flood warnings in various regions. If you do need to drive, please check the weather first and take extra care.

Here are some wet weather driving tips from the Good Garage Scheme :

Slow down
One of the fundamental parts of conquering the wet roads is to reduce the speed at which you travel. The three main controls of steering, braking and accelerating are all less effective under wet conditions so slowing down and gentle use of these controls will enable you to manage the car more steadily.

Increase your following distance
The usual 2-second rule should at least be doubled in wet conditions. Brakes are not as responsive in the rain; therefore this will allow you more time to think and react and will greatly reduce the chance of a collision.

Be aware of floodwater
Make sure you show great caution to any water that has collected at the side of roads as this can cover up potholes as well as creating further risk of aquaplaning.

On approaching deep water on the road
Don’t panic! When driving through deeper sections of water you should always keep your engine revving, moving at a constant yet slow speed without endangering other drivers or pedestrians.

After passing through deep water it is important to check your brakes, as they will probably be saturated and may not function properly.

 

If you have driven through deep water and your car is not performing well, contact your nearest Good Garage Scheme member and ask a professional to check it for you.