It seems the rainy season is going to be here for quite a while. As such, we have to be well prepared and exercise a few precautions for yourself, your family and your car.
Bear in mind that driving in wet weather conditions is much different than in dry weather. Always be on full alert and maneuver your car cautiously when it’s wet out there. Roads tend to be wet and slippery especially after a heavy downpour. The water on the roads is mixed with dirt. Oil leak from vehicles on to the road is also retained causing slippery surfaces.
After a heavy rain, a layer of water builds between the rubber tyres of the vehicle and the road surface, leading to loss of traction thus preventing the vehicle from responding to control inputs such as steering, braking or accelerating.
To prevent your car from skidding, it is advisable to adopt certain techniques and car maintenance tips that will ensure that you are in perfect control while driving on wet roads. These tips will enhance your safety this wet period:
1. Do not drive at high speeds on a wet road. Driving at lower speed provides you with greater stability.
2. Avoid abrupt jerky movements while braking, accelerating or turning around a corner.
3. Maintain adequate distance between the vehicles in front of you. If by any chance, you need to brake suddenly, you will have sufficient distance between your car and the one in front of you before coming to a halt.
4. Ensure that the headlights, tail lamps, turn signal lights, brake lights are all in good working condition.
5. Always keep your headlights on so that you are visible to the surrounding vehicles especially during blinding rain or extremely dark and gloomy weather.
6. Ensure to get a full electrical system check-up.
7. Ensure the front and rear Wipers on the cars are in good working condition.
8. Invest in quality tyres and maintain your tyres regularly.
9. Remain alert! While driving.
10. Stay calm and dont panic in case of a spin. First, lightly apply the brakes steering in the direction of the skid, push down the clutch and let the car slow down on its own.