During heavy rain, visibility deteriorates, braking distance increases, and the risk of hydroplaning rises. Before driving in bad weather, drivers should check seven elements of the car that determine safety on a wet road.
Preparing the car for heavy rain: what to check before driving
Autoportal experts advise starting with the equipment that ensures road visibility and tire grip on wet asphalt.
Wipers. Worn blades leave streaks and missed areas. Squeaking and poor windshield cleaning are grounds for replacement.
Washer. The reservoir needs to be filled, because water and dirt from under the wheels of other cars quickly dirty the windshield.
Tires. The minimum permitted tread depth is 1.6 mm, but for a wet road the source recommends 3-4 mm. Tire pressure must also be checked.
Lighting. It is worth making sure the low beams, fog lights, and hazard lights are working properly.
Brakes. It is necessary to check the brake fluid level, the absence of unusual sounds, and even braking.
Cabin filter and ventilation. A dirty filter impairs the operation of the system that helps quickly remove windshield fogging in high humidity.
Drains. The cavities under the windshield and the channels near the sunroof need to be cleaned of leaves and dirt. Clogged openings can direct water into the cabin and toward electrical equipment.
If visibility during heavy rain drops to a few meters, the source advises smoothly pulling over to a safe place and waiting out the bad weather.
