How to drive safely when it rains

Driving in the rain is not fun. Visibility is poor, roads are slippery and all you want to do is get where you are going and get off the wet roads. It's no surprise that rainy days are among the most dangerous days to drive, as road conditions are unfavorable and other drivers on the road often don't know how to drive their vehicles safely.

As intimidating as driving in the rain can be, it doesn't have to be as difficult or scary as it first appears. If you follow some basic safe driving tips, you can make driving in the rain safe and comfortable. However, it's worth noting that many other drivers you encounter on the road may not be as comfortable and safe driving in the rain as you are, so if you can avoid driving in adverse weather, it's probably a good idea. . .

The most important thing when driving in the rain is to fully concentrate on the road and not get behind the wheel unless you feel completely comfortable. If you do these two things and follow these guidelines, you will be fine in the rain.

Part 1 of 2: Preparing your car for the rain

Step 1: Make sure your tires are rainproof.. The part of your car that suffers the most from wet roads are the tires. Tires are responsible for creating traction and keeping the car in contact with the road, and when the road is slippery, their job becomes more difficult.

Before riding in the rain, make sure your tires are always in good working order. If your tires are worn out and don't have enough grip, you'll be a burden on wet roads.

• Functions: As always, make sure your tires are properly inflated before riding.

Step 2: Keep your vehicle in good condition by checking it regularly.. It's important to always follow a maintenance schedule, but this is especially important when the weather turns bad. When the roads are wet, that's the last time you want your brakes to fail or your battery to die.

Be sure to schedule periodic safety checks with a trusted mechanic such as AvtoTachki.

Step 3: Make sure the wiper blades are new or like new. Wiper blades need to be replaced from time to time. Otherwise, they will start to warp or become dull and they will be ineffective at wiping rain off your windshield.

Before the first rain of the year, replace the wiper blades.

Part 2 of 2: Driving Carefully and Attentively

Step 1: Always keep both hands on the steering wheel. The biggest danger when driving in the rain is that you will run into the water and the floatplane. When this happens, the steering wheel usually jerks to one side or the other. To prevent the steering wheel from turning sharply, always hold it with both hands.

• Functions: If you need to use your hands for something else, such as making a phone call, adjusting the radio, or moving the side mirrors, stop first.

Step 2: Use wipers and de-icer. To improve visibility, always use the wipers when it is raining. The wipers will keep rain from hitting the windshield and will not interfere with your view.

Also remember to turn on the de-icer, as the windshield can easily fog up when it rains.

Step 3: Use Headlights. Rain can prevent oncoming vehicles from seeing you, so always have your headlights on, even if it's the middle of the day.

• Functions: At night, you may not want to use high beams. The high beam is so bright that it can reflect off the rain and impair visibility.

Step 4: Slow down and don't drag your tail. When it rains, the roads become much more slippery, which means your car doesn't have the best traction. So you shouldn't drive as fast as you normally would or you'll be much more susceptible to losing control of your car.

Also, it may take you longer than usual to stop when braking. To make sure it doesn't get too dangerous, don't follow other drivers too closely. Keep enough distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you so that you have enough room to brake and stop.

Step 5: Stay calm when hydroplaning. If you hydroplan, stay calm and don't overreact.

Hydroplaning happens when you drive through water and one of your wheels loses contact with the road. When this happens, you may feel a jolt in the steering wheel and it will appear that you are temporarily losing control of the vehicle.

When hydroplaning occurs, it is important not to overreact. Keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel and calmly adjust the steering wheel. Hit the brakes, but don't slam on them. Any extreme movement, such as cornering or hitting the brakes, will only exacerbate hydroplaning and may result in complete loss of vehicle control.

• Functions: It's a common misconception that if you drive fast through a puddle, you'll be less likely to hydroplan because you'll go through it faster. Hydroplaning actually happens when you drive through a puddle at a speed high enough that the car tries to go right over it rather than through it. If you see a puddle or standing water, slow down before driving through it as this will help your tire stay in contact with the road.

Step 6: Don't push your luck. Know your car's limits and don't test them.

As much as you want to get where you're going, don't push yourself beyond the limits of your vehicle. If a section of road is flooded, do not attempt to pass through it. The potential damage to your vehicle is far greater than the benefits.

If you've ever wondered if your car will be able to drive safely across a stretch of road, don't test it to find out.

Driving in the rain isn't particularly fun, but it doesn't have to be dangerous either. If you follow these tips, you will be able to stay safer while driving in bad weather.