Here are our top tips for driving in the rain from ACC UK Ltd, Independent Volvo & Toyota Car Servicing, Repair and MOT specialists, based in Farnborough, Hampshire.

1) Before you set off on your journey, set your heater controls correctly – rain can make windows fog up in seconds reducing your visibility. You don’t want to be fiddling with heating, ventilation and a/c controls when you should be concentrating on the road ahead.

2) Slow down - adapt your speed to the current conditions. In the rain your stopping distance should be at least doubled. Giving yourself more space from the vehicle in front helps you to avoid spray, especially when following a large vehicle on the motorway. Leaving more distance between you and the car in front should allow you to spot surface water more quickly too.

3) Strong winds can unsettle your car and even change your direction of travel. Hold your steering wheel firmly at all times.

4) If you have cruise control, avoid using it on wet roads – it may create problems if you start to aquaplane on surface water.

5) See and be seen. Put your lights on – as a rule of thumb, whenever you need to use your wipers you should also turn your headlights on, and before overtaking put your wipers on their fastest setting - this is because of increased spray from the car you are overtaking hitting your windscreen and reducing your visibility. 

6) In cases of severe flooding, you should reconsider making the journey at all. If it is unavoidable, and you have to drive through deep water, take the following precautions:

7) Drive on the highest section of the road and don't drive into the flood if a vehicle is approaching you let it pass before you drive forward. Leave time and space to avoid swamping other cars and pedestrians.

8) If driving a diesel car or van, check where the engine air inlet is. If it is below or close to the water level, the water could be sucked into the engine causing severe damage. Find an alternative route - don't take the risk as you may have problems claiming for a replacement engine under your insurance.

9) If you can’t see where you are going to come out of the water, such as when approaching flooding on a bend turn around and find an alternative route - you will have no idea what you are driving into otherwise.


10) Keep your foot on the accelerator in deep water to avoid water traveling up the exhaust pipe - drive slowly but steadily - do not stop!

11) Once you're out of the water, dry the brakes before you need them by using the brakes gently and only when it is safe to do so - do not stamp on them - be mindful of cars behind you. The best way is to lightly apply the brake as you drive along for a few seconds, after checking nothing is following you too closely.

12) Always be mindful of cyclists and those on motorbikes - give them plenty of room.

13) Ensure that your tyres have the correct tyre pressures and sufficient tread - if unsure pop into your local independent garage and ask for a tyre check - we offer this service free to our customers.

Happy motoring from all at ACC UK Ltd, Independent Volvo & Toyota Car Servicing, Repair and MOT Specialists based in Farnborough, Hampshire.