How To Drive In Heavy Rain
The blog this week is about how to drive safely in heavy rain. During the next couple of months, we in the UK can experience heavy downpours at the drop of a hat. Everyone is trying to save money at the moment, interest rates are rising, fuel bills are rising, food costs are soaring etc so when it comes to owning a car, we need all the help we can get to keep costs down. Read on to find out more:
Firstly - Watch your speed (adapt to the road conditions) and leave plenty of room – a gap of at least four seconds - between you and the car in front. Your stopping distances will be greater than on dry roads so by leaving a much bigger gap will help you react. If someone is driving too close on your tail, let them pass. Don’t become distracted by them or annoyed. It is much better to have them in front of you than behind.
When the roads are wet there is so much spray and reduced visibility. Put your headlights on but keep them on a dipped beam. Do not use your fog lights. You want to be seen but you also want to see other road users. Be conscious of spray from lorries and fast-moving vehicles. Also be mindful of drivers going through large puddles and engulfing your Volvo or Toyota. This could temporarily reduce your visibility. Equally, be considerate about your own spray and avoid driving fast through puddles close to pedestrians or cyclists. We have seen a van driver go through a big puddle and knock a cyclist clean off his bike – this is dangerous and incredibly distasteful behaviour!
Instances of breakdowns increase in the rain as damp can cause problems with your Volvo or Toyotas electrics and engines. If you do break down, keep your bonnet closed to prevent any further damage. Do not try to restart your engine if it has cut out after you’ve driven through deep water. Seek the help of a breakdown recovery service and take your car to your local independent garage.
Driving through puddles can cause aquaplaning. If your steering suddenly feels light, take your foot off the accelerator and allow your speed to reduce until you feel in control again. It is an automatic instinct to slam on your brakes but do not touch your brakes until you have regained control of your vehicle. If you have driven through a deep puddle, when it is safe to do so, gently press your brakes to clear any water. Happy Safe Motoring Folks!
Here at ACC UK Ltd, Winners of The Motor Trader Independent Garage of The Year 2015, 2019 & 2020, The IGA Big Awards 2022, The Inspire Customer Service Excellence 2016 Award, The Eagle Radio Customer Focus 2017 Business Award, The Workshop Magazine Workshop Manager of the Year 2017 Award, The LiveWire Excellence In Vehicle Servicing 2019 Award and The Aftermarket Excellence Award for Best Website 2019, The Eagle Radio Biz Award – Entrepreneur of the Year 2020 & the SME News Magazine Most Trusted Car Servicing Provider 2020, we pride ourselves on offering an outstanding customer experience for a fraction of the cost of a dealership. Give us a call and let us quote you for your next service or repair on your Volvo or Toyota. We service all areas around Farnborough, Fleet, Aldershot, Farnham, Guildford, Frimley, Camberley, Hook, Sandhurst, Crowthorne, Yateley, Hampshire and Surrey. We offer free collection and drop off services. We also have a fleet of courtesy cars to allow you to get on with your schedule whilst your Volvo or Toyota is with us. Happy Motoring from all at ACC UK Ltd – Independent Volvo & Toyota servicing, repair and MOT specialists based in the heart of Farnborough, Hampshire.
