Rain is not just wet asphalt and reduced visibility. It's a whole host of hidden factors that can cause problems even for an experienced driver. Slippery roads, poor visibility, sweating windows, sudden puddles, water hammer, electronic failures - all of these things can really happen, and often unexpectedly.
If you add to this rush, fatigue or lack of attention, the risk of trouble increases several times over.
In this article, we'll look at the main dangers for the driver during rain, and also practical advicehow to avoid them.
1. Slippery road and longer braking distance
This is the main thing that many people forget.
When the asphalt gets wet, wheel traction is at least 30-40% worse, and even 50% worse in the first 10-15 minutes after it starts raining, as dirt, dust and bitumen mix together to form a true "liquid grease".
❗ What are the dangers of this?
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the car can skid even at low speeds
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braking distance
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harder to corner
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can't be rearranged
✔ How to avoid?
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Reduce the speed by at least 20-30%
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Avoid sharp turns with the steering wheel
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Keep a distance of 2 to 3 times the normal distance
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Switch to a softer driving style
If you drive a rental car, pay attention to the condition of your tires: wiped-out tread almost doubles the risk of skidding.
2. aquaplaning - loss of control in a large puddle
Aquaplaning occurs when the wheels lose contact with the road due to a layer of water. The car literally "floats" on the surface and the steering wheel becomes hollow.
❗ What are the dangers of this?
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momentary loss of control
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the car could fly out of the lane
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the brakes barely work
✔ How to avoid?
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Never run into large puddles at high speeds
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Check tire pressure (overinflated wheels lose contact more easily)
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Follow the tread (optimally 4-8 mm)
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Stay close to the middle of the lane where the water is usually lower
If aquaplaning does occur - don't brake too hard! Release the throttle and hold the steering wheel steady.
3. Poor visibility due to rain and oncoming headlights
Rain and glare from headlights turn the road into a blurred picture. Especially dangerous at night and during rush hours.
❗ Problems:
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distance perception is impaired
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harder to spot a pedestrian
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the mirrors are covered in droplets
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oncoming light is 2 to 3 times more dazzling.
✔ What to do?
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Switch on dipped beam or fog lights
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Use quality windshield wiper blades
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Apply a hydrophobic protective layer to the glass panes
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Regularly switch on the heated mirrors and rear window
4. Windshield fogging
One of the most common causes of accidents in the rain. The windows fog up due to the difference in temperature and humidity.
❗ Consequences:
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loss of visibility
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it's impossible to estimate the distance
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the smallest obstacles become invisible
✔ How to fight?
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Turn on the air conditioner - it dries the air
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Direct the air flow to the glass
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Use the "auto defrost" mode
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Do not dry the interior by "hand" wiping - streaks will impair visibility
5. Risk of water hammer - water entering the motor
One of the most expensive troubles. Occurs if you drive into a deep puddle too quickly: water enters the cylinders and the engine is blocked.
❗ What are the risks?
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engine overhaul
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expensive replacement parts
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tow truck demand
✔ How to avoid?
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Do not drive into puddles above the sill level
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Drive through water areas slowly
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If water does get in, do not attempt to start the engine
6. Electronics malfunctions
Modern vehicles are full of sensors and electronic units. Moisture can cause momentary errors or malfunctions.
✔ What can happen:
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false ABS signals
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ESP errors
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parktronic failure
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flickering multimedia screen
✔ How can I reduce my risk?
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Do not direct the water jet at electrical units when washing
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Watch the door seals
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Service the vehicle in a timely manner
7. Drivers have poorer distance control
In rainy weather, many people fail to adequately judge speed and distance. This causes minor accidents that could easily have been prevented.
✔ What to do?
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Keep a distance of at least 3-4 seconds
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Don't drive "tailgating" trucks - they pick up water flows
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Activate the emergency signal in the event of a sudden stop
8. Pedestrians behave unpredictably
Umbrellas, hoods, and poor visibility all cause a pedestrian to enter the road suddenly.
✔ How to prevent it?
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Reduce speed near crosswalks
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Do not overtake a vehicle that has stopped in front of a pedestrian crossing
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Be especially careful near schools and bus stops
9. Brake problems after deep puddles
After driving through a large puddle, the brakes may become "sluggish".
✔ What needs to be done?
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Gently depress the brake pedal to dry the rims
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Check for vibration
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Do not accelerate sharply in the first 20-30 seconds
10. Danger of skidding and drifting on bends
Domes of water, mud, leaves, bad asphalt - rain amplifies all the road's weaknesses.
✔ What to do?
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Enter the corner at minimum speed
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Do not add gas in the middle of a turn
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Activate the stabilization system (if it has been deactivated)
How to prepare your car for rain: a checklist before you leave 🚗✔️
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Check condition of wiper blades
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Check that the headlights and turn signals are working
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Monitor tire pressure and condition
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Fill the washer tank
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Check brake fluid level
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Turn on the air conditioner when fogging
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Do not use cruise control in heavy rain
What is important to remember if you are traveling in a rental car?
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find out if the car has a full-fledged antiskid mode
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check the condition of tires and brakes at the time of delivery
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take pictures of the exterior of the car in case of emergencies
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do not take risks on unfamiliar roads - deep puddles can be potholes
Summary
Rain in and of itself is not dangerous. It is a combination of poor visibility, slippery roads, human error and technical nuances that make it dangerous. By knowing the main risks and reacting correctly to the situation, the driver can avoid the vast majority of trouble.
The ground rules are simple:
take your time, keep your distance, ensure you have a good view and monitor the condition of the vehicle.