WET DRIVING TIPS 

Driving in the rain is a multi-risk experience. Furthermore, it is a changing situation whose consequences affect driving differently. In this sense, the dangers that take place, once the first drops of rain begin to fall, are different from those that characterize driving under a downpour.

Lack of visibility, loss of vehicle grip and even less driving safety on the part of drivers increase the chances of having an accident. In addition, in cases of city driving, pedestrian behavior is also often altered, which is aggravated by the fact that visibility is considerably reduced.

Be that as it may, in this article, we offer a series of practical tips to improve the driving experience in the rain and, of course, minimize the chances of suffering a driving accident in these circumstances.

Increase caution when driving

• By the time the first drops of water begin to fall, asphalt tends to push dirt onto the road surface, including dirt and oil residue. The combination is extremely dangerous and can result in the vehicle skidding at the least expected moment.
• On the other hand, once the rain has fallen steadily and abundantly, there is a high probability that pools of water will form in certain areas of the road. These are very dangerous situations, especially when driving at high speed.
• This phenomenon, known as aquaplaning, involves a substantial or total loss of traction and steering of the vehicle. In addition, due to its characteristics it is difficult to perceive it well in advance.

How to react in case of aquaplanig?

• Instead of pressing the brake pedal, it is best to hold the steering wheel firmly and release the accelerator pedal to allow the vehicle to slow down. In this way, the wheels will be able to come into contact with the asphalt again, at which point you will be able to change direction.
• Of course, the best advice to avoid being compromised in a hydroplaning situation is to use the following advice.

Speed ​​reduction

Regardless of the speed limits established by the regulations for each road, the presence of rain constitutes an adverse factor that makes driving difficult. That is why the most appropriate thing is to reduce the speed of the vehicle to adapt it to the conditions that are taking place at that moment.

Increase the safety distance

The safe distance is probably the factor that can contribute the most to reducing the probability of having an accident in rainy conditions. This is due to two reasons:

• First of all, the available braking distance is increased, which is essential given that the tires do not have the same grip on dry asphalt as on wet ones.
  
• Secondly, the spray effect caused by the traffic of the vehicles in front is minimized. This phenomenon greatly hinders circulation, since it limits the field of vision when lifting a large amount of water.

Using the brake gently

Thanks to the intelligent ABS braking system, the chances of locking the wheels when braking are much lower than years ago. However, the reaction of the tires in the rain is always poorer.

For this reason, it is best to always use the brake as gently as possible.

In that sense, the advice to increase the safety distance makes even more sense, since that will avoid having to perform emergency braking or hitting the brakes too hard.

Exercise extreme caution with horizontal signage

• The colloquially known as "white lines" on the road are painted with a very resistant paint but, unfortunately, it becomes very slippery in the presence of water.
• Although great progress has been made in this regard, these horizontal markings are still a danger, which is why you should prevent the tires from passing over them, especially if you are riding a motorcycle in the rain or approaching a zebra crossing.
• Check the brakes whenever you go through a flooded area or with lots of puddles
• Water can cool the brakes, which greatly limits their effectiveness. That is why, after passing through an area with many puddles or even through an area that has been flooded, it is best to immediately check the condition of the brakes. It will be enough to make a gentle step on the pedal.
• This should be enough to tell you whether or not the car has lost braking ability. If so, make sure to warm up the brakes as quickly as possible until you notice that the mechanics work in optimal conditions again.

vs Ago 2020

vs Oct 2021