Staying safe when the roads are wet with McCarthy Cars.

1st October 2015

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In the UK it's safe to say we're no stranger to wet weather. In fact, we're renowned for it the world over!

As annoying as it is, it's something we have absolutely no control over - and it can driving a hazardous experience, creating havoc on the roads. Whether you've just passed your test, you're not particularly confident driving in wet weather, or feel you could do with brushing up on your road skills, then McCarthy Cars' top tips for driving in the wet weather are for you!

1. Check your Tyre Tread

A good tyre tread helps reduce the risk of skids and will increase your grip on the road. Before you head out on the road, make sure your tyre thread is legal. The legal minimum for tyre tread is 1.6mm around the circumference of your tyre - you really should have more than that. In fact The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents recommends that once your tyres reach 3mm you should be looking to change them.

2. Keep your speed sensible

Your vehicle's ability to stop quickly and safely is dramatically reduced when the road is wet. If you're travelling at speed and brake on a wet road you could even end up in a spin or skid, which could mean losing control of the car. So if it's wet, you'll need to drop to travelling below the speed limit - you should aim to travel at around a third of the speed limit when it's wet.

3. Avoid Braking

Avoiding your brakes also minimises the chances of skidding. By driving correctly, taking your foot off the accelerator and going down in gear is all you should need to slow your vehicle down.

4. Mind the Gap!

You should always leave a safe distance between yourself and the car ahead, but in wet weather conditions this is even more important. Remember that not only can the spray from vehicles ahead can reduce your visibility, but your stopping distance also increases when the road is wet, so a larger gap is needed.

5. Light them up!

Help yourself to see the road more clearly, as well as other drivers to see you, by switching on your lights.

4. Keep centred

This isn't about hogging the middle lane, but more about driving in the centre of the road. Water tends collects in pools around the sides so it's the best way to avoid driving into it.

5. Don't Drive Through Water

Flash floods can catch even the most experienced drivers unawares, especially as water can cover up more than just potholes, so even though you might think your 4x4 can handle whetever is thrown at it, keep on public roads. If you can't see the bottom of a stretch of water, then don't guess at its depth, find another way round.

6. Dry Your Brakes

If you haven't managed to avoid driving through water then you really should test your brakes immediately afterwards by applying them lightly to dry them out.

7. Recovering from a Skid

If you do find yourself skidding along the road you should try to stay calm. Don't slam on the brakes but rather apply a firm and steady pressure. It's very important to steer in the direction of the skid to right yourself..

8. If it's got too heavy...

If it's a serious downpour and your wipers are struggling with the sheets of water they can't cope with, don't risk driving through it with significantly reduced visibility. Stop on the side of the road & wait for it to subside.

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