Driving in heavy rain and floods
Thursday 3 May, 2012
Due to the heavy continuous rain we have had lately we thought it would be wise to give some basic advice on how to drive in the rain and floods.
The most important part in your car that should be ready for wet weather is of course your tyres. The legal requirement for tyre tread depth is 1.6mm. But this is too low to be safe in heavy rain.
Your tyres start to lose their ability to move water when they get to 3mm, so it is at this point from a safety point of view that they should be replaced.
HERE AT RUSSELL AUTOMOTIVE CENTRE WE CARRY OUT FREE TYRE CHECKS!
Should you need any other advise please feel free to call Russell Automotive Centre, London’s Leading Audi, VW, Seat, Skoda and Bentley Specialist. 0208 2000 995.
Only ever drive through water if you know that it’s not too deep!
Driving in wet conditions can be hazardous, but you have a better chance of staying safe if you prepare for wet weather.
Even drivers with local knowledge can be caught out during heavy downpours, as even the most modern road surface is still susceptible to standing water. This creates a potential aquaplaning hazard as well as significantly reducing visibility. Take it easy through standing water and if the steering does become unresponsive due to the rain, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually.
The engine’s air intake on many cars is low down at the front of the car and it can take just an egg cupful of water in the combustion chamber to wreck an engine. Water doesn’t compress and the piston in effect hits a wall, bending or breaking a con rod (causing a very expensive repair bill). Driving fast – even if the intake’s above the water level – could cause water to be ingested into the engine.
If you’re unlucky enough to break down in heavy rain, don’t prop the bonnet open while you wait for the breakdown recovery service to arrive – the engine will be more difficult to start again if the electrics are all rain-soaked. Instead, pull over to a safe and visible place and wait for help to arrive.
Heavy rain
Be safe, and prepare for wet weather:
Remember that according to the Highway Code: You MUST use headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres (328 feet). You may also use front or rear fog lights but you MUST switch them off when visibility improves.
Give yourself the best chance of being able to see clearly in wet weather by renewing windscreen wipers if worn or damaged.
Double the distance you leave between your car and the car in front, as stopping distances are increased by wet roads.
If steering becomes unresponsive due to the rain, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually.
Floods and standing water
Only drive through water if you know that it’s not too deep.Allow
oncoming traffic to pass first and test your brakes as soon as you can after leaving the water.
Don’t try driving through fast-moving water, such as at a flooded bridge approach – your car could easily be swept away.
Watch out for standing water, trying to avoid it if you can, and adjust your speed to the conditions.
Driving fast through standing water is dangerous; tyres lose contact with the road and you lose steering control in what’s known as ‘aquaplaning’. If you do experience aquaplaning, hold the steering wheel lightly and lift off the throttle until the tyres regain grip.
HERE AT RUSSELL AUTOMOTIVE CENTRE WE CARRY OUT FREE TYRE CHECKS!
Driving fast through standing water is inconsiderate. Driving through water at speeds above a slow crawl can result in water being thrown onto pavements, soaking pedestrians or cyclists. You could face a hefty fine and between three and nine penalty points if the police believe you were driving without reasonable consideration for other road users.
Driving fast through standing water can cause expensive damage. The air intake on many cars is low down at the front of the engine bay and it only takes a small quantity of water sucked into the engine to cause serious damage. All engines are affected but turbo-charged and diesel engines are most vulnerable.
If you break down in heavy rain don’t prop the bonnet open while you wait for the patrol to arrive. The engine will be more difficult to start again if the electrics are all rain-soaked.
This is just some basic advice, it is the responsibility of the driver to drive the vehicle safely and responsibly to avoid damage and harm to yourself, your vehicle and any other road users.
For any further advice call Russell Automotive Centre, London’s Leading Audi, VW, Seat, Skoda and Bentley Specialist. 0208 2000 995.
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Fleet Manager, Fleet Van Servicing Centre North London.
Whilst travelling to you you ordered the part, and an hour after my initial call my van was on the lift and a new starter-motor was being fitted. An hour later I was on my way back to work. I cannot thank you enough for your help. Not only did you go out of your way to keep us working, you did it at a very sensible price.
