Driving in rain – stay safe!

With the wet and wild weekend predicted for our local area, we’re sharing some tips for driving in rain from the RAC. Firstly if there is heavy rain it’s always best to consider if your journey is really necessary. If it is then make sure you have planned your journey. Also check for any road closures due to flooding or extra traffic as a result of the weather. It’s best to check the following regularly but especially if driving in rain:

1. Check your wiper blades in the front and back of your vehicle
2. If your car doesn’t have ‘aero’ wipers that are fitted to newer vehicles it might be worth an upgrade to these wipers that are more effective at removing water
3. Ensure you have plenty of fuel before you travel. Traffic, using your lights, heaters and wipes all increase your fuel consumption
4. Listen to the local radio for up-to-date travel advice as well as road closures or flooding risks
5. Carry your mobile phone in case of problems – using this hands-free of course!
6. Check your tyre pressure is not too low and tyre depths are within legal limits

Driving in heavy rain

If you have to travel in heavy rain then it’s best to slow down and leave more space between you and the driver in front. Stopping distances are reduced greatly in the rain and slippery conditions. Dipping your headlights can help others see you more easily and avoid using rear fog lights as these may hide your brake lights when slowing down. Large or fast vehicles create more spray which will affect your visibility.

Keep your air-con going as this may help to demist your windows quicker. It will also stop them from becoming misted during the journey. Do listen to local news if the weather is particularly bad and in the case of a breakdown keep your bonnet closed until help arrives to stop water from getting into electrical areas.

It’s not always easy to see standing water, especially in low light so drive slower than usual otherwise, you may end up aquaplaning where your tyres actually lost contact with the road. If this happens you would feel the steering become lighter and need to ease off the power to reduce speed and avoid braking until you are happy the steering is under your control.

Lastly, try your best not to spray pedestrians and cyclists alike.

If you have had a no-fault accident, you don’t have to claim from your insurance company.

A no-fault car claim will be entitled to a like-for-like vehicle whilst your vehicle is being repaired.

You won’t have to pay your excess or lose your no-claims bonus if we manage your non-fault claim.

If your car is written off you could have the use of a hire car within 24 hours until your no-fault claim is paid.

Call us 0800 059 0220 to talk about your no-fault accident claim. We’re open Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. You can also start a claim online.