Use caution when driving in the rain

Driving in the rain It’s a topic we can’t escape from with the arrival of the cold seasons. The truth is that driving in the rain causes numerous accidents on Portuguese roads every year. Therefore, it is essential to start preparing your car now for safe driving in these circumstances.

Read the article and discover the fundamental aspects related to car maintenance and the main behaviors to adopt in this driving context.

Before bad weather arrives, you should take time to prepare your vehicle. Remember that driving in the rain inevitably leads to a reduction in visibility and road grip. In this sense, check the following aspects:

Let’s start with the most critical point of driving in the rain: the car tires. The effect of aquaplaning is one of the most feared scenarios by motorists. This happens when layers of water form on the road which cause the car to completely lose grip on the road and slide. One of the best ways to prevent hydroplaning is to make sure your car’s tires are in good condition for driving in the rain. If you need to invest in new tyres, choose a model suitable for rain, taking into account the design, size and depth of the tread.

Read more: “Learn all about tire labeling”

Have you recently noticed that your car has yellowed headlights? If so, here’s another task that should be on your checklist. Headlights are an important element so that other drivers can see you on the road (especially if the weather conditions are adverse). Therefore, keep them clean and in good condition.

After the summer it is recommended to change the windshield washer blades. Extreme heat and dust are the main culprits in rubber degradation. Before bad weather arrives and before you have to drive in the rain, install new wiper blades on your windshield.

Read all: “How to maintain windshield washer blades”

The preparation and correct maintenance of the car are fundamental aspects… but not sufficient. Driving safely in the rain also presupposes the adoption of a defensive driving style and certain behaviors by the driver:

Article 61 of the Highway Code establishes that every driver is obliged to turn on the dipped beam lights in «weather conditions (…) which make visibility insufficient, particularly in case of fog, heavy rain, snowfall, clouds of smoke or dust». If your car does not start automatically, pay attention to this.

Increasing your safe distance will give you more time to react if something goes wrong. If, for example, you become trapped in a body of water, a greater safety distance from the vehicle in front can prevent an accident.

If your car has cruise control, turn it off when driving in the rain. In the event of an emergency, it is essential to have full control of the vehicle.

Rain or no rain, always practice defensive driving. In adverse weather conditions, be especially careful and do not take it easy.

If you travel on a motorway or expressway, pay attention to information signs and follow their advice. They usually contain messages and updates about pavement conditions and weather conditions in the area you are traveling to.

Trust a Caetano Retail workshop and carry out a general overhaul of your car before bad weather arrives. Schedule your appointment online now and enjoy excellent service.