Rainy days introduce a unique set of challenges on the road. The slightest drizzle can change the rules of the pavement. It can turn what should be a calm drive into a potentially hazardous journey, thanks to reduced visibility and slippery surfaces, among other reasons.
Here are some tips on how you can prepare yourself and your vehicle when driving in rainy or wet conditions:
1. Make sure your car has good visibility. Inspect the car’s windshield, wipers and headlights before hitting the road to ensure good visibility. Also check if the tires have sufficient tread as this ensures good traction on the road. After all, wet and slick roads make for difficult driving. The rainy season is the best time to replace the tires if tread is worn down.
2. Plan the route. Avoid routes that are prone to flooding or road closures due to floods. This does not only ensure reaching the destination safely and on time, it also protects the vehicle from flood-related damage.
3. Slow down and keep a safe distance from other cars. Slowing down gives you more time to react to the actions of other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, whose visibility is also compromised. Make sure headlights and tail lights are working to increase visibility and make sure to keep a good distance between you and the car in front.
4. Beware of unseen hazards. Rain water hides a variety of road hazards that can be dangerous such as potholes, which can cause serious damage to tires and suspensions. Watch out for objects that may have been swept on the road by the rain. If you must drive through a section with standing water, do so slowly and in a low gear to avoid getting water into the engine.
6. Regularly assess your vehicle’s overall condition. Over time, components, such as tires, wipers, and especially the brakes, wear out, which can significantly compromise a vehicle’s performance and reliability. If the car feels sluggish, it might be a sign of deeper, more costly issues. There comes a point when simple repairs and component changes are no longer enough to guarantee your safety.
Making the decision to replace an old vehicle is never easy, but it is a critical step towards ensuring safety and reliability, especially with the daily challenges posed by the rainy season.
