Top Tips for Driving in the Rain

Driving in the rain is something that all drivers in the UK will encounter. We live in a famously wet country, after all, so motoring when there’s rain outside is a key part of getting from A to B here.

But driving in the rain brings with it some additional requirements and tweaks to the way you get around. Here at Eden Motor Group, we’ve got a great range of both used and new vehicles which get the latest safety features to help keep things as secure as can be when driving in the rain. But how else can you help? Here, we’re going to go through some of the top tips to remember when driving in the rain.

Take your time

Driving in heavy rain requires a little more concentration than usual. In poor conditions, accidents can happen and - more often than not - they’ll happen quickly. So take your time, even if you’re travelling on a section of road that you’re used to.

Giving yourself some extra time will help to avoid stressful circumstances and put you in a better stead of reacting to an incident should it occur.

Increase space

Rain has a significant impact on how effectively a car can stop. As a result, you need to increase the amount of space between yourself and the car in front. In doing so, you’re giving yourself more time to react should the vehicle in front slow down suddenly.

Rain is often accompanied by high winds, and increasing your distance to the vehicle in front will help should they need to swerve around any branches or debris which may blow onto the road.

Reduce speed

One of the easiest ways to keep yourself and other road users safe when driving in the rain is by reducing your speed. Even bringing it down by 5mph can help to make things safer.

In addition, should there be larger patches of standing water in the road ahead, going at a slower speed will give you a better chance of avoiding an accident from aquaplaning. You’ll have more time to react and, should the car start to spin, more of a chance of rectifying the issue.

Don’t chance it with floodwater

During particularly heavy spells of rainfall, there’s a good chance that parts of the road could flood. This could be due to a route’s proximity to a river or stream or even if water flow from fields has accumulated on the road’s surface.

Whatever the reason, floodwater is not something to be dealt with lightly. If you have any concerns or doubts about the route ahead, then it’s always best to turn around and find a new path. However, if you do want to try, then take your time and maintain a slow, steady speed. Once you’re out at the other side, test your car’s brakes to ensure that any water is cleared away from the system.

Be aware of vulnerable road users

During wet weather, you need to be even more conscious of vulnerable road users than normal. Cyclists, in particular, will have to be passed with additional caution as large puddles might cause them to swerve, while crosswinds can easily push them off-course.

Remember to avoid splashing pedestrians, too. Not only is it a real pain for those at the roadside, but if you were found to be doing this deliberately, you could face a fine of up to £5,000.

Make sure your tyres are in tip-top shape

Tyres are a car’s first line of defence against wet driving conditions. Having enough tread - and making sure that tyres are inflated to the correct pressures - will ensure that they can clear away water effectively.

So double-check that there’s enough tread on your car’s tyres - the UK legal limit is 1.6mm - and inflate them to the right pressures using the manufacturer guidelines. As always, if you have any concerns about your tyres, then consult a professional. Any damage to the sidewalls, such as cuts or bulges, must be addressed immediately. Left alone, they could lead to a blowout.

If you’d feel happier tackling rainy conditions in a new car, then we’re here to help. At Eden, we’ve got hundreds of new and used vehicles to check out today, so head on over to our dedicated pages to find out more.