Everyone knows that rain is bad for visibility, but it can also be dangerous when it comes to driving. Heavy rain can reduce your visibility, which makes it more difficult to see what’s in front of you. However, with the proper knowledge and preparation, you and your vehicle can stay safe in rainy weather conditions.
In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about driving safely in the rain, including what signs to look out for when your wiper blades are worn out, tips for driving in bad weather conditions, what you should do when your vehicle starts to hydroplane, what causes hydroplaning and how to avoid it.
What signs to look out for when your wiper blades are worn out?
It is important to check your wiper blades regularly for signs of wear. If you notice that your wipers are showing any of the above-mentioned signs, it may be time to replace them.
Contact your nearest Goldwagen to find the correct wiper blades for your vehicle https://www.goldwagen.com/store-locator/
Make sure your wiper fluid reservoir is full so your wiper blades have enough fluid to clean a dirty windscreen.
Safety tips for driving in bad weather conditions:
1. Always drive with your headlights on, especially when it’s foggy or raining. This increases your visibility as well as the visibility of other drivers.
2. Avoid hard braking and driving with your cruise control turned on, as this will prevent you from having full control of your vehicle.
3. Use your windscreen wipers to improve your visibility on the road.
4. Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you.
5. Avoid driving through puddles or still standing water on the road, as this can cause hydroplaning.
Read on how hydroplaning works and how to handle your vehicle in such a scenario to avoid an accident.
What causes Hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between your vehicle’s tyres and the road. Causing your vehicle to lose traction with the road and swerve from side to side, leaving you with almost no control over your vehicle.
What should you do if your vehicle starts to hydroplane?
• Remain Calm. When you start to feel you are slowly losing control over your vehicle, it is best to remain as calm as possible and take a deep breath.
• Do not step on the brakes. Instead, try to elevate your foot off the accelerator to reduce your speed. If you need to make an immediate stop to avoid an accident, brake gently until the vehicle comes to a stop.
• Take control of the vehicle. Firmly hold the steering wheel, when your vehicle begins to swerve in one direction, do not turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction; instead, turn the steering wheel in the direction you are sliding/swerving until you feel your wheels regain traction.
Follow these guidelines to avoid hydroplaning:
• Avoid driving through standing water or puddles.
• Reduce your speed to reduce the possibility of hydroplaning.
• To improve traction, make sure your tyres are properly inflated.
• When driving on wet roads, avoid using cruise control.
In conclusion, driving in the rain requires extra caution and attention to ensure safety. Keep an eye on your wiper blades, clean them on a regular basis and replace them as necessary, browse our selection of wiper blades to find the right one for your vehicle.
Stay safe on the road!
