Why Rain Changes Everything

A sudden downpour can turn an ordinary journey into a tricky one. Rain reduces visibility, weakens grip, and makes braking distances far longer. Puddles hide potholes, spray blinds you, and the car ahead might stop faster than you expect. That’s why even experienced drivers slow down when the weather turns foul; it’s not caution, it’s common sense.

Here’s how to keep control and confidence when the heavens open.

1. Slow Down; Gently

Wet roads mean less grip. Braking or steering sharply can send your tyres skimming across the surface. Ease off the accelerator and drive smoothly. Every movement should feel deliberate, not jerky. Remember, at 60 mph it can take twice the normal distance to stop on a wet road.

It’s not about crawling along; just give yourself space and time to react. Smooth driving equals safe driving when it’s raining hard.

2. Keep Headlights On, Full Beams Off

Switch on dipped headlights as soon as rain starts to fall. They help others see you, especially on grey days or when spray fills the air. Avoid using full beam; the light will reflect off raindrops and dazzle you instead. If your car has automatic lights, check they’re actually on; rain can fool the sensors.

And if visibility gets really bad, turn on your fog lights temporarily; just don’t forget to switch them off once the rain eases.

3. Watch for Standing Water

Large puddles and flooded patches are more dangerous than they look. Driving through deep water at speed can cause aquaplaning; where tyres lose contact with the road completely. The steering suddenly feels light, and you’re gliding instead of gripping.

If it happens, don’t slam on the brakes. Ease off the accelerator, hold the wheel straight, and let the tyres regain traction naturally. Prevention is easier: stick to the tracks made by vehicles ahead and avoid driving through water deeper than the bottom of your doors.

4. Keep Your Distance

Spray from the car in front can wipe out your view in seconds. Double the usual two-second gap and keep your wipers on full if needed. This extra space gives you time to react if they brake suddenly or hit standing water. On motorways, stay out of the outside lane if visibility’s poor; you’ll reduce spray from oncoming lorries and larger vehicles.

5. Use Your Air Conditioning

Rain often means humidity, and that leads to fogged-up windows. Switch on your air con to dry the air and clear mist quickly. It’s not just about comfort; a steamed-up windscreen can hide a cyclist or pedestrian until the last moment. A quick flick of the demister button beats wiping the glass with your sleeve every time.

6. Avoid Cruise Control on Wet Roads

It’s tempting to let the car handle the speed, but cruise control doesn’t sense puddles. If you hit standing water, the tyres can spin faster, making aquaplaning worse. Stay in manual control so you can react instantly to changing road conditions.

7. Plan Your Route; and Your Stops

Check weather warnings before long trips using Met Office alerts. Avoid low-lying roads known to flood and allow extra travel time. If conditions worsen, don’t be afraid to pull into a service station and wait it out. No deadline is worth risking a spin-out or flooded engine.

8. Keep Tyres and Wipers in Good Shape

Bald tyres and worn wipers are a recipe for disaster in rain. Tyres need at least 1.6 mm of tread by law, but 3 mm is safer. Check pressures monthly and replace wipers at the first sign of streaking. They’re your first line of defence against poor visibility.

9. Know When to Stop

If your vision drops to near zero or the road becomes a river, find a safe place to pull over; never on the hard shoulder unless it’s an emergency. Keep your sidelights on, stay inside the vehicle, and wait until the rain passes. Hydroplaning risk drops sharply once the surface drains.

Useful UK Resources

• AA – Driving in Heavy Rain
• RAC – Tips for Wet Weather Driving
• Met Office – Severe Weather Driving Advice