Rainy days can turn driving into a daunting task, but with the right knowledge, you can navigate wet roads safely and confidently. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or new to the roads, these essential tips for driving safely in the rain will help you stay safe in any storm.
1. Drive Slower in the Rain
Driving at high speeds in the rain can be extremely dangerous. Rain doesn’t just make the roads more slippery; it can also cause oils and other liquids on the roads to surface, creating a deadly mixture. If it hasn’t rained in a while and you find yourself in a rainstorm, your immediate reaction should be to slow down.
If you can’t see at all in heavy rain, you should drastically slow down, put your hazard lights on, and come to a gentle stop off to the side or wherever it’s safe to do so.
2. Leave More Space Between Cars
Many drivers forget to leave more space between cars during a downpour. Normally you should leave at least two car lengths between you and the car in front of you. When it’s raining, this should increase to 3 or 4. Why?
Cars applying brakes on wet roads are at a heightened risk of sliding and causing a pile-up. Also, the braking distance required rises dramatically as the speed increases, which is another good reason to drive slower when it is raining.
3. Always Double Check Your Headlights Are On
Headlights allow others to see you and for you to see others.
Wet conditions don’t just make the roads more slippery and dangerous – they also reduce visibility. If you’re driving in the dark, it’s a legal requirement to put on your headlights; however, on a rainy day, it’s good practice to flip them on so other cars can see you coming.
4. Brake Softer and Earlier
Braking in the rain can be tricky. When you brake hard and fast, it can drastically increase your chance of an accident.
Braking softer and earlier can help prevent your car from sliding into the car in front. This technique also helps you maintain control over the vehicle when the road is particularly wet.
5. Turn Your De-misters On
Nothing is more frustrating than being unable to see out of the front windscreen while you’re driving in wet weather. While the wet season is usually mild, mist on the inside of your windshield can creep up on you and have disastrous consequences.
It’s a good idea to turn on your de-misters before you hit the road to avoid this from happening.
6. Be Extra Aware Of Pedestrians
Pedestrians are equally caught out when it comes to wet weather conditions. Umbrella or not, a heavy downpour can take anyone by surprise and make people run for cover or worse, risk crossing the street at the wrong place and time.
As a driver, you must stay hyper-aware of pedestrians – especially if you’re in a built-up area. Observing speed limits isn’t slow enough in these cases – remember to keep it safe and slow.
7. Check Your Traction Control is On
Driving in wet weather can be quite an exhilarating experience. But it’s always good to be safe. Some modern cars feature additional safety technologies such as electronic stability control, ABS braking, and all-wheel drive to maximise tyre grip. However, if the tyre grip has been compromised, there will be no vehicle control. Always double-check your traction control while you’re winding around wet and wintry roads.
8. Leave Earlier to Arrive on Time
This is a tough ask but a good reminder, especially here in WA where rainy days are few and far between. Think about how far you’ve got to go and how much extra traffic there will be clogging the roads. Rainy days often see more people choosing to take a car rather than riding a bike or walking, so it’s good to be prepared. But then you get to the freeway and not only are there more cars – but everyone is driving slower than usual. This is where you can lose the most time. Leave a solid 10-15 minutes earlier on stormy days – especially if you’re traveling during peak hours.
9. Steer Clear of Enormous Puddles
Sometimes it’s tempting to test your car’s performance through large puddles and see how much of a splash you can create. But playing around with large puddles or driving through them has several risks attached. Underestimating the depth can cause damage to your engine or cause you to hit an object under the water – causing damage to your car’s undercarriage or bodywork.
10. Service Your Windscreen Wipers
You can be driving as slowly and as carefully as possible in the rain, but without functioning windscreen wipers you’re fighting a losing battle. Without proper visibility through your windscreen, the chances of a collision increase dramatically. If you notice the rubber of your wipers becoming crusty, or if they make a loud squeaking sound then you should consider getting a replacement or service.
How Subaru Cars Excel in Wet Weather
Subaru vehicles are renowned for their exceptional performance in wet weather conditions, thanks to their advanced all-wheel drive (AWD) system. Unlike traditional front-wheel-drive systems, Subaru’s AWD provides better traction and stability by distributing power to all four wheels, reducing the risk of slippage and enhancing control.
Subaru models are also equipped with additional safety features such as electronic stability control, ABS braking, and traction control systems, which work together to keep the vehicle steady and responsive, even in the most challenging weather conditions. This makes Subaru cars a reliable choice for those who frequently drive in wet weather.
Driving in wet weather requires extra caution and preparation to ensure your safety and that of others on the road. By following these top 10 tips for driving safely in the rain, you can navigate rainy conditions more confidently and reduce the risk of accidents. Subaru’s advanced AWD system and safety features further enhance driving safety, making Subaru vehicles the ultimate choice for wet-weather driving.
Experience the superior safety and performance of Subaru vehicles for yourself. Contact our experts at Perth City Subaru today to schedule a test drive!