Top 10 Tips for Wet Weather Driving

You may feel like a badass drifter but driving in wet weather can be more hazardous than you think. Slipping and sliding around the streets can be very dangerous as there are potential hazards that are unforeseen compared to going flat out on the track. There are different precautions you can take to keep yourself safe on the roads. Many of these are things we often overlook as we become so used to driving. Improve your wet weather driving skills to keep yourself and others safe on the road.

To improve your skills on the road, here are 10 driving wet weather driving tips to keep you safe on the road:

1. Steer into the skid. The first thing you should do is remain calm, ease your foot off the accelerator and carefully steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. This is called "steering into the skid" and will bring the back end of your car in line with the front. For cars without anti-lock brakes, avoid using your brakes. If your car has ABS brakes, brake firmly as you "steer into the skid".

2. Never drive in the rain with your cruise control on. If you do this and hydroplane your wheels can reach an excessive speed when not in contact with the road. This has the result of propelling your car forward when the wheels touch down again.

3. Drive in the tracks of the car In front. Following another car’s tracks on wet roads can reduce the amount of water between the road and your car tyres. Whenever possible, slow down by taking your foot off the accelerator and avoid using your brakes.

4. Driving through water. Generally, if the water is deeper than the bottom of your doors or the bottom third of your wheels, it is inadvisable to attempt driving through it. Use extreme caution, slow right down, it is important to watch the flow of the water and how fast it is going. If the water is too high seek a different route rather than braving the flood and risking damage to your electronic control systems.

5. Slow Down. When water mixes with the oil and dirt on the road it can create slick conditions that encourage skidding. The best way to avoid losing control of your vehicle is to slow down.

6. Do not use your high beam headlights. While it is important to use low beam headlights in the wet, high beam headlights are likely to reflect back on you, reducing visibility.

7. Demist Your Front and Back Windscreens. This may seem like a simple tip but you must ensure you have the best vision possible when driving in the wet.

8. Check Your Tyre Tread and Air Pressure. Make sure your tyres have enough tread depth. The deeper the tread the less likely the car is to skid or aquaplane. If they are excessively worn, avoid driving in wet weather. Make sure your tyres are adequately inflated by referring to the air pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer – this information is usually listed in on the fuel door, glove box or owner’s manual.

9. Avoid Sudden Movements. Be gentle and progressive when steering, accelerating and braking on wet roads. Do not accelerate quickly after stopping. Apply gentle pressure to your accelerator to avoid skidding.

10. Increase your stopping distance. Make sure if the vehicle in front of you comes to a sudden stop, you have enough space to brake to a stop without skidding.

(Source: Suncorp)

With all these driving techniques to help you avoid total carnage on the unpredictable wet roads, there are other ways to combat the wet weather. AutoCraze recommends protecting you and your family with a brand new set of tyres. Tyres are also something overlooked until it's too late. Having a bald or worn out tyre during wet weather proves to be extremely dangerous as your car can unexpectedly begin to slide out of your control. AutoCraze has the biggest range of tyres from your budget, value for money tyres such as Hedway or Kumho, to high end performance brands like Bridgestone or Hankook. Keep yourself safe with a brand new set of tyres from AutoCraze and take advantage of our FREE shipping (Conditions Apply).

Visit www.autocraze.com.au for the best deals in tyres or call 1800 099 634 to speak to our specialised staff to help make your car safer on the roads.