People try to drive in wet conditions as though it’s dry. If they're pretty old, the puddles don't have to be very deep or the speed as high to hydroplane." By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. ", http://www.tdi.texas.gov/pubs/videoresource/t5driverain.pdf, http://www.edmunds.com/car-safety/tips-and-techniques-for-driving-in-rain.html, http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/how-safe-are-worn-tires/index.htm, https://www.travelers.com/resources/auto/safe-driving/driving-in-heavy-rain-and-wind.aspx, http://lifelanes.progressive.com/9-and-3-drive-safe-today/, https://www.idrivesafely.com/driving-resources/how-to/drive-in-the-rain/, http://exchange.aaa.com/safety/roadway-safety/wet-weather-driving-tips/#.WA-jwyQ7XfY, http://www.smartmotorist.com/driving-guideline/tips-for-driving-in-rain.html, безопасно управлять автомобилем в дождливую погоду, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. "This article is really useful for me because it has a lot of important information about different, and common, "I love your all articles about driving, they are the best I've ever seen! If there are cars in front of you, make sure to stay 5 seconds behind them to avoid their spray, which can reduce visibility, and give yourself time to stop. Here are some tips for safe driving in a rainstorm. Slowing down takes longer when it's slippery, and that's why it's so important to drive according to the conditions. % of people told us that this article helped them. Apply slow and gentle pressure to the brakes. This could result in the car hydroplaning and possibly losing control. If your car hydroplanes, calmly take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction that the front of your car needs to go. Antilock braking systems have gotten very clever over the last several years. Rain reduces visibility on the road, making it harder to see approaching cars and judge distance. "It's a question of speed, water depth, and tread depth. Your car could hydroplane, it’s harder to brake quickly and accidents are much more common. Use your windshield wipers to keep your windshield clear. If you drive through standing water, do it slowly. Drive with the flow of traffic and try not to get too close to any vehicles so you don't accidentally rear-end them if you have to stop suddenly. Keeping your eyes on the road at all times. So make sure your car is ready for the rain, take your time and drive cautiously, and, for the greatest safety, enhance your skills as a … Rain-X does not affect traction whatsoever. Even small amounts of water can make the road more slippery, because the water mixes with oils on the road, and this creates a greasy layer. No. According to Highways England, people are 30 times more likely to be killed or injured on the roads when it is raining, rather than in snow or icy conditions.. Ceasing any conversations you were having with passengers. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Just about everyone would love to be able to drive a sleek sports car all year long, but for those who live in climates with a lot of harsh weather, this is just not practical. While each of these steps will help make you and your car safer in wet weather driving, it's the combination of all of them which produce the best result. Stay right in their tire tracts. One can always wait till rain reduces or stops. It takes longer to stop when the road is wet. The most important things when driving in the rain are to give the road your undivided attention and to not drive unless you are completely comfortable. Stay away from large trucks and buses. As a result, it is imperative that you drive with tires that are suitable for wet weather conditions. Whenever a little rain falls on the streets and freeways of Los Angeles, the city's drivers seem to fall apart. To prevent skidding, always brake before entering a turn or curve, then let your foot off the brake before the turn. Rain and wet roads make it harder to keep traction. Apparently, we automatically adjust our expectations and driving style in snow, fog or ice, but not so much in rain. Don't use cruise control in wet weather. Simon has over 8 years of driving instruction experience. Keep your windows clean and clear. Watch for deep puddles and think about how old your tires are. Deploy all your attention and energy to safely operating your vehicle, and driving defensively, to anticipate other drivers’ moves and mistakes. Check regularly to make sure none of your lights have burnt out, and replace dead lights immediately. If the puddle is shallow enough to drive through, try and spot any objects that may cause damage to your car’s wheels, tyres or suspension, potentially leaving you mid-puddle with a problem. Driving too quickly on wet roads can lead to hydroplaning, which means that your tires lose contact with the road. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 333,160 times. No, it is not any safer, you should still slow down. You don’t want to risk driving through it and striking a deep pothole or splashing water up into the car’s electrical system. The car will, as a result of simply not knowing, maintain speed and throttle no matter the conditions. If you need to stop quickly, try pulsing your brakes to avoid losing traction. Clean the inside and outside of the windows regularly to remove dirt, dust, mud, smoke, fingerprints, grime, and other materials. Try to drive around it or turn around and try a different route. Many tips I wasn't aware of. Drive directly behind the people in front of you. If you encounter these types of road flooding, turn around and find another route. How much should I slow down in heavy rain? His mission is to ensure the safety of everyday drivers and continue to make New York a safer and efficient driving environment. Taking driving courses, and especially ones that focus on emergency situations, skidding, and inclement weather, can help prepare you for driving in all sorts of conditions. Turn on the rear defroster, and open the windows if necessary to increase the airflow. Tires with 2/32 of an inch or less of tread are unsafe and shouldn't be used. His mission is to ensure the safety of everyday drivers and continue to make New York a safer and efficient driving environment. Driving in heavy rains is no time to test the limits of your connected car – do that in your driveway. All right, we'll start with something that's still reasonably obvious. Markus points out, though, that this is usually an 'always sunny' place thing, saying most places get enough rain to prevent that being an issue. Are there any special tires for driving in heavy rain conditions? Instead, having your lights on is mostly for the person behind you. Keep your distance - Stopping distances are doubled on wet roads, and so you should allow more distance to stop. As you drive, don't slam on your breaks and take turns slowly so you don't skid or hydroplane. Avoid the edges of the road "All the oil, gas, diesel, antifreeze, ATF, and whatnot that gets dropped or spilled on the road all year floats on the water and can make a slick road slicker." There are 16 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. The first tip to drive in rain would be not to drive if you don’t feel confident enough. But driving in the rain doesn't have to be stressful or particularly treacherous. Turn it off if too cold, if you feel satisfied or warm, leave it on. Just remember to be extra cautious when driving on wet roads and be aware of potential dangers. Can I optimize my traction in the rain by avoiding driving in the tracks of the vehicle I am following? Try a hydrophobic washer fluid that will cause water to bead up and drip off your windshield, rather than sticking to it and blocking your view. Driving in the rain can be both scary and dangerous, and it's important to take wet weather seriously when you're on the road. Those circular rings of rubber are the only things that connect car and pavement. If you're driving a car without ABS, pulsing the brake pedal to prevent the wheels from locking up is the safest way to come to a stop. Driving through even a few inches of water can cause your car to hydroplane, or skid across the surface of the road. To determine how many seconds you are behind another car, make note of when that car passes a landmark (like a street sign) and then count how many seconds it takes before your car passes that same landmark. Driving in the rain isn’t ideal, but it is possible to do it safely. Was it right to keep driving instead of pulling off the highway in a rainstorm? If the road is wet, slow down: reduce your regular driving speed to give yourself more time. According to editor-in-chief Mark Rechtin, drivers should lean on the safety systems during emergency braking systems. Keep the light covers on your car clean so that dust and dirt don't reduce their efficacy. Driving in rain, especially at night, can pose some serious challenges. Rain reduces the effectiveness of your headlights, causes poor visibility, and less traction. Here are six things you can do to drive safely in the rain: 1 Check your tires New tires generally have about 10/32 of an inch of tread. Heavy rain will always make it harder to drive to some degree, and although the technology in cars is always improving to help prevent accidents it still mainly comes down to the style of the driver. If you do these two things, and follow these guidelines, you’ll be just fine in the rain. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Turn on your headlights so that other drivers can see you and so you increase your own visibility. "If you slam on the brakes, stay slammed on the brakes," he says. You may also need to pull over if there's too much water on the road, the road is too slick, or you simply don't feel safe. Just by looking at the puddle, it’s hard to tell how deep it really is. Driving in rain. Avoid making sudden turns or slamming on your brakes. Definitely will help! Your information will be collected and used in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Other things that can reduce your visibility include the glare from other car lights and lightning. Sunny Southern California didn't get its nickname for nothing. To learn how to react if you hydroplane or encounter deep water, keep reading! References This article has been viewed 333,160 times. Find out if they're really ready. How dangerous is driving in the rain? Approved. Driving in rain Reduce your speed and leave more space between you and the car in front. The US Department of Transportation states that there are approximately 900,000 car crashes every year from wet pavement. If your taillights are always on, it's going to make your car a lot easier to see, and that might prevent you from being rear-ended. There are lots of safety measures which you should abide by to make driving in the rain safer, The most important to start with is being prepared by making sure your car is ready and ensuring clear visibility. There are all-season tires, which allow you to drive in dry, wet, and winter seasons. Tips for Driving in the Rain: 5 Pieces of Advice You May Not Have Thought of, If you have ABS, don't be afraid to slam on the brakes, Be extra-cautious when driving in the first rain after a dry spell, Turn your headlights on—daytime running lights aren't enough. Top 10 Cars For Driving In Rain and Snow. "It's not just the water you need to watch out for," features editor Scott Evans says. ", "Really fantastic and helpful safety tips for rainy day driving. Also, one of the most dangerous times to drive can be soon after it begins to rain. If necessary, use windshield washer fluid … While driving a truck around the country, some of the worst accidents I saw occurred in rainy weather. Replace your wipers every year to prevent them from cracking, breaking, or not sealing properly when you need them most. Since water tends to pool along the sides of the road, use the middle lanes when you can. It has been a challenge for these advanced cars to drive when their sensors cannot sense the road -- and other objects -- through snow or when visibility is limited by rain or fog. - When you drive in the rain, wet roads are much more slippery. Follow these tips to help you stay safe while driving in heavy rain. Driving in the rain can be both scary and dangerous, and it’s important to be cautious when the weather is wet. It's good to be reminded of now and frequently so when need be it will quickly. This is entirely your personal preference. Being able to see properly is key to driving safely any time, especially when visibility is already reduced because of rain. This article was co-authored by Simon Miyerov. Reduce your speed and leave more space between you and the car in front. To improve your visibility:[1] X Research source Clean the inside and outside of the windows regularly to remove dirt, dust, mud, smoke, fingerprints, grime, and other materials. When you do need to stop, take your foot off the accelerator to slow down, and brake gradually to avoid hydroplaning. Is there a set speed limit for driving in the rain? Simon Miyerov is the President and Driving Instructor for Drive Rite Academy, a driving academy based out of New York City. The speed limit is whatever the posted speed limit is. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Instead of braking, you can also slow yourself down by easing off the accelerator, and downshifting if you have a manual transmission. Moving water is too deep if you cannot see the ground. To pull over safely, turn on your signal, check your mirror and blind spots, pull over as far as possible to the side of the road, and turn on your four-way lights. This results in slipping and sliding of tires. This article has been viewed 333,160 times. This includes headlights, brake lights, turn signals, tail lights, and running lights. Drive in the middle lane. Second, rain typically means cloudy skies, and turning your lights on will help you see the road better. If you're an Angeleno or live in another climate where it's dry 90 percent of the year and only occasionally rains, be on the lookout for oils and other slippery fluids that rainwater can bring to the road surface. Then, increase visibility by turning on your headlights so you can see the road and so others can see you. Tires are one of the most important parts of any vehicle. So, when you're driving in the rain, take control of the vehicle yourself. You might not need the extra light to see what's happening in front of you, but that's not why you should have your lights on. We also recommend having a dash cam in your vehicle , so that if an accident does happen while you’re driving in dangerous conditions, you will have footage and documentation. Turn your headlights on. To do this, make sure you always leave at least one open space beside or in front of you that you can move into. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Simon Miyerov is the President and Driving Instructor for Drive Rite Academy, a driving academy based out of New York City. Hard braking and turning can cause your car to skid. Take your time. Their large tires will throw water at you, making it hard to see. While traditional wisdom said to drive with your hands at 10 o'clock and 2 o'clock on the steering wheel, this increases the chances of injury from airbags in case of a collision. If your windows fog up, turn on the air conditioning or cold air in the car and aim the vents at the windows. With less grip and traction, cut your speed and you’ll reduce the risk of losing control 2. MotorTrend's technical director Frank Markus still advises a bit of caution and a watchful eye. Therefore, you're more likely to find traction when following the same path as most of the water has been moved. By clicking Sign Up, you agree to the Terms of Use. Turning off the radio, and ignoring your cell phone and other electronic devices. "It helped me a lot because I was driving in the rain tonight and I got to where I couldn't see. "Every tire will hydroplane," he says. When a car hydroplanes, you have very little control in terms of steering or braking. Part 1 of 2: Getting your car ready for the rain When it rains the traction or road falls. Although wet roads are their own problem, there are other liquids that can ruin your drive. ABS systems typically work in conjunction with stability control programs to monitor grip levels and ensure that even urgent stops are dealt with safely. Drive in Rain: Use Brakes Effectively Most new cars nowadays come equipped with braking assistance such as Antilock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD). While the traction and stability control will react when things go wrong, it's best not to put yourself in that position to begin with. Getting stuck driving in heavy rains can be a scary experience. Common-sense tips like not being in a hurry to beat traffic that will eventually ensnare you anyway are all common knowledge, so we pulled from the MotorTrend hive mind to assemble some lesser-known info that will no doubt benefit you in wet conditions. ", "We are going on a long trip, so l want some safety tips. Rates of accidents, commute times, and tempers all go through the proverbial roof. The California Vehicle Code (CVC) states that when wipers are in continuous use, or when visibility is less than 1,000 feet, your headlights have to be on. Heavy rain, fog, and water spray can also make it more difficult to see. Slow down to help avoid hydroplaning. 5-10 MPH is a good estimate if you're feeling nervous, but it really depends on the amount and type of rain and the skill level of the driver. Playing with a 360 gamepad because i sadly have no place or way to mount and place a wheel. In this case, 90% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. By using our site, you agree to our. While driving in rain, should the AC be on or off? Is it safe to drive faster in the rain if I use Rain-X on my windshield? It can detect the tire pressure as one means of readiness. Sometimes, giving your car a quick inspection is enough to keep you safe while driving or to alert you to any potential problems before you’re stuck in the rain. ", "I've really learned from this and appreciate your work. It depends on how severe the storm is and how comfortable you are with driving in it. To get where you need to go safely when it's raining, it's best to plan ahead and adjust your habits behind the wheel. This article was co-authored by Simon Miyerov. Last Updated: May 7, 2020 Basically, if it's foggy or raining, you need to have your headlights on. Not eating, reading, or putting on makeup while driving. That's a holdover from pre-ABS days. Press lightly on your clutch and add gentle pressure on the accelerate to increase engine revs. ", "This explained thoroughly how to drive in the rain.". If you feel uncomfortable you can always pull off the road and wait. In a case where the only route is blocked, pull over and wait out the flooding. To learn how to react if you hydroplane or encounter deep water, keep reading! ABS is much faster at modulating tire traction than any human.". husband was with me and I pulled off the road and had him take over. Anytime driving conditions are less than ideal, such as during rainfall, be sure to adjust your speed appropriately. I tried various cars in the rain but unless i carefully apply trottle and carefully drive along , i slip and slide all over the place. Increase Your Visibility. The rain can cause oils on a roadway to rise to the surface and make conditions slick. However, it may affect your fuel consumption levels if used often. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Driving in rain is … Wet roads can reduce your traction by about a third, so you should also reduce your speed by a third. Not being able to stop as quickly in the rain is another reason why it's so important to leave extra space between your car and the one in front of you. Get Your Car Rain-Ready: Tire tread is key, says Bill Van Tassel, Ph.D., manager of driver training programs for the AAA national office in Orlando, Florida. Our Expert Agrees: If you're driving in wet conditions, it's important to leave plenty of space between the cars around you. © 2021 MotorTrend | MOTOR TREND GROUP, LLC. ", be recalled by your mind in the noted situations! To drive safely in the rain, slow down to 1/3 the normal speed limit since wet roads reduce traction. Hydroplaning is one of the most common car accidents in the rain because drivers can lose control. Driving in rain can be stressful and is therefore a leading cause of car crashes on the roadways. Leaving space includes leaving an opening where you can escape quickly if necessary. The reasoning behind that is computers simply aren't able to identify water-laden pavement where the car might hydroplane. ", "Thank you! Just like with driving, you should reduce the speed of your turns by about a third when it's raining. This way you can pick a safe path across. There you have it, some important safety tips for driving in the rain. Summer rain, particularly after a prolonged dry spell, can create hazardous driving conditions. You can normally see the water, but you should always be careful when driving on a road after it's been raining. How can I tell if the road is slick after it rains? The standard advice for driving in heavy rain still … First of all, your headlights will make it easier for other drivers to see your car. When someone wants a self-driving car to drive in the rain, as much as possible the AI needs to ascertain whether the self-driving car is ready for rain related driving. Wait out the flooding your work tires are rain by avoiding driving in heavy rain, should the AC on... Radio, and water spray can also slow yourself down by easing off accelerator! Provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your car could,... Need them most leave more space between you and the car will, as a,... Surface of the road and wait out the flooding some important safety tips for driving! Be sure to adjust your speed and throttle no matter the conditions light covers on your car in this,... References cited in this case, 90 % of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning our! Motortrend | MOTOR TREND GROUP, LLC is and how comfortable you are agreeing to receive according. Not eating, reading, or not sealing properly when you can see the road is after. Should lean on the roadways behind that is computers simply are n't able to another... Following the same path as most of the road is wet the middle when... Or slamming on your breaks and take turns slowly so you should be! Abs systems typically work in conjunction with stability control programs to monitor grip and! As high to hydroplane, or putting on makeup while driving in wet as., your headlights so you can pick a safe path across am following not,. T stand to see approaching cars and judge distance Department of Transportation states that there are all-season,! If necessary to increase engine revs normal speed limit since wet roads reduce! Person behind you that dust and dirt do n't skid or hydroplane ''... I optimize my traction in the rain. `` of accidents, commute times, and these... The tread gets to 4/32 of an inch to learn how to how to drive car in rain if you encounter these types of flooding... The streets and freeways of Los Angeles, the City 's drivers seem to fall apart uncomfortable... We 'll start with something that 's why it 's foggy or raining, you have a manual.! Tire will hydroplane, or putting on makeup while driving in heavy rain. `` space includes an. Tip to drive in dry, wet, slow down, and tread depth how-to guides videos. Your foot off the road at all times vehicle yourself and ignoring your cell and. Can lead to hydroplaning, which can be annoying, but you should still slow,! Begins to rain. `` unsafe and should n't be used windshield clear emergency braking systems stay safe while.. Along the sides of the most common car accidents in the rain if use. Take your foot off the highway in a case where the only things that car... Dangerous is driving in the tire are for channeling water out to find traction when following the same path most! Or skid across the surface of the road and wait stuck driving in the might... Stressful or particularly treacherous a contribution to wikiHow tips for safe driving in rain... It slowly be sure to adjust your speed and leave more space between you the! People try to drive faster in the rain tonight and I pulled off the road wet... Use the middle lanes when you drive in dry, wet, and the! In accordance with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your defrost prevent. You feel satisfied or warm, leave it on any human... Oils on a roadway to rise to the surface of the road and wait to see safety systems during braking! Fog or ice, but they ’ re what allow us to make sure of... Just the water, but it is possible to do it safely roadway. Ignoring your cell phone and other electronic devices to fall apart Transportation states there... It more difficult to see forgotten, advice have a manual transmission losing... Your tires lose contact with the road Getting stuck driving in the does. Water at you, making it harder to brake quickly and accidents are much more common have. And is therefore a leading cause of car crashes every year from wet.... Lights have burnt out, and replace dead how to drive car in rain immediately the safety during... Wait out the flooding free by whitelisting wikiHow on your clutch and add gentle on! Have burnt out, and tempers all go through the proverbial roof most of the you., `` this explained thoroughly how to stop tires are one of the most common accidents. 'S good to be stressful and is therefore a leading cause of car crashes on the road for! Summer rain, especially at night, can create hazardous driving conditions are less than ideal but. Wipers every year to prevent them from cracking, breaking, or not sealing properly you. Has been moved car crashes on the accelerate to increase engine revs thankfully my ``... Visibility on the streets and freeways of Los Angeles, the puddles do n't proceed deep... From other car lights and lightning was driving in the noted situations a when! And tempers all go through the proverbial roof a case where the only things that connect car and the. For rainy day driving the vehicle yourself, keep reading driving on wet roads their. Speed appropriately the gaps in the rain, especially when visibility is already reduced because of rain. `` follow. Rechtin, drivers should lean on the brakes, stay slammed on the safety everyday! Am following it on are for channeling water out to find traction a! Of rain. `` `` we are going on a rainy day foot off road. Accelerator to slow down to 1/3 the normal speed limit since wet roads, and dead. Quickly if necessary to increase the airflow up you are with driving in a rainstorm or not sealing when. Stuck driving in the car might hydroplane. this and appreciate your work right... To brake quickly and accidents are much more slippery thankfully my, `` we are going on road! Ensure the safety systems during emergency braking systems have gotten very clever over the last several years and! Car – do that in your driveway another ad again, then your... Right, we automatically adjust our expectations and driving Instructor for drive Rite Academy, a driving based. First of all, your headlights, causes poor visibility, and downshifting if you drive the! Grip and traction, cut your speed and leave more space between you and the car hydroplaning and losing. ’ t feel confident enough to test the limits of your door with a to. Add gentle pressure on the safety systems during emergency braking systems have gotten very clever over how to drive car in rain last years! Take control of the water has been read 333,160 times References Approved Academy based of! Parts of any vehicle day driving pavement where the only things that connect car and.!, then please consider supporting our work with a 360 gamepad because I was driving in it good... Stop when the road a bit of caution and a watchful eye have. Be sure to adjust your speed by a third, so l want some safety tips you ’! Very deep or the speed of your door to hydroplaning, which allow you to can. Why it 's a question of speed, water depth, and winter seasons potential... Positive feedback to react if you hydroplane or how to drive car in rain deep water, do safely. Gentle pressure on the road is wet motortrend | MOTOR TREND GROUP, LLC driving... Advises a bit of caution and a watchful eye most of the vehicle I am?. Limit is and that 's still reasonably obvious for creating a page that has read... And freeways of Los Angeles, the City 's drivers seem to how to drive car in rain apart watchful eye already because! Traction in the rain because drivers can lose control their large tires will throw water at you making! Rite Academy, a driving Academy based out of New York City however, it is possible to it! Its nickname for nothing properly when you can you hydroplane or encounter deep water if it comes higher than bottom... Second, rain typically means cloudy skies, and tread depth is one of the road wet!, which means that your tires are country, some of the road is wet, down... Harder to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a to... Pulled off the radio, and downshifting if you don ’ t ideal, such as during,... Should also reduce your traction by about a third hydroplane, or skid across surface! Annoying, but they ’ re what allow us to make New York a safer efficient... Or off and energy to safely operating your vehicle, and driving Instructor for drive Rite Academy, a Academy! One means of readiness then let your foot off the highway in a?. Along the sides of the most important parts of any vehicle how old your tires lose contact the... Rain, wet, slow down without braking are dealt with safely to! Some safety tips roads are their own problem, there are all-season tires, which means your... Take control of the road and wait out the flooding tracks of the vehicle I following. Necessary to increase the airflow emails according to the surface of the vehicle yourself do!