Driving in the rain

Rain and wet roads can make driving dangerous. Here are a few things to consider when driving in the rain or on slick pavement:

• Slow down and allow extra following distance. A heavy rainfall makes it harder to see and increases the distance needed to stop your vehicle.

• Turn OFF your Cruise Control. (if equipped)

• Replace your windscreen wiper blades when they show signs of streaking or missing areas on the windscreen.

• Be sure your tyres have enough tread. If your tyres do not have enough tread, making a quick stop on wet pavement can cause a skid and possibly lead to an accident. Refer to the “Tyre replacement” section in chapter 9.

• Turn on your headlamps to make it easier for others to see you.

• Driving too fast through large puddles can affect your brakes. If you must go through puddles, try to drive through them slowly.

• If you believe your brakes may be wet, apply them lightly whilst driving until normal braking operation returns.

Hydroplaning

If the road is wet enough and you are going fast enough, your vehicle may have little or no contact with the road surface and actually ride on the water. The best advice is SLOW DOWN when the road is wet.

The risk of hydroplaning increases as the depth of tyre tread decreases, refer to the “Tyre replacement” section in chapter 9.