Save 30% on Car Parts with code PAYDAY30. Excludes Batteries, selected Oils, Clearance, Tools, Accessories, Car Mats, Performance Parts and Star Buys. T&Cs apply.
With around 1,160mm of rain falling in the UK each year, chances are you’ll find yourself driving in the rain fairly often. While a light shower might not seem like much to worry about, wet weather can quickly make road conditions more challenging.
Slippery surfaces, reduced visibility and longer stopping distances can all affect how your car handles on the road, particularly during a heavy downpour. So, whether you’re caught in a sudden summer shower or navigating a wet winter commute, follow our expert tips for driving in the rain safely.
What’s Included In This Article?
Get Ready Before Travelling
Before you set off in the rain, it’s worth taking a few minutes to make sure your car is ready and prepared for the conditions. Check the following:
Make sure your windscreen wipers are working properly
Worn or old windscreen wipers can make it harder to see clearly in the rain. If your windscreen wipers need replacing, you’ll often find they’ll smear dirt across your windscreen, rather than wiping away raindrops.
Replacing your windscreen wipers is an inexpensive task, so make sure to swap them out when they’re not giving you a clear view of the road in rainy weather. While many wiper blades are compatible with multiple cars, they’re not always universal. Use our handy registration lookup tool to make sure you choose the right set.
Check the tread depth of your tyres
It’s illegal to drive your car if its tyres have a tread depth of under 1.6mm, and for good reason. Your tyre tread helps maintain good grip on the road, which is even more important when rainfall makes the surface slippery. If your tyres are looking worn, replace them to reduce the risk of skidding or losing control.
It’s also important to make sure they’re not under- or over-inflated to maximise their contact with the road. Tyres in poor condition can increase the risk of an accident on any road surface, but wet weather makes maintaining good grip even more important.
Leave more room to stop
Rain can make it harder for your car to slow down, with stopping distances in wet weather being at least double those on dry roads, so it’s important to reduce your speed and leave more space between you and the vehicle in front.
You should also slow down when driving through any standing water, as hitting it at speed can cause you to aquaplane and potentially lose control of your vehicle. It can also force water into your car’s internal components, increasing the risk of a breakdown, so it’s best to take it slow.
Remember to de-mist your windscreen
Rain on a chilly day can quickly cause mist to build up on your windscreen, so make sure to de-mist as soon as you notice your visibility starting to suffer. Humidity and the difference in temperature between the inside and outside of your car can cause condensation to form, but using your AC should help clear it quickly.
If your windscreen keeps fogging up, give it a thorough clean and consider using glass treatments to help prevent condensation from forming. Dirt and oil can attract moisture, making a dirty windscreen more likely to fog up. It’s also worth checking the rubber weather-stripping seals around your windows and doors, as any gaps or deterioration can let excess moisture into the cabin.
Stay visible
Rain can significantly reduce visibility, so it’s important to make sure other drivers and road users can see you too. In heavy rain, use your dipped headlights to improve your visibility without dazzling other road users.
If you’ve been driving in the rain a lot, give your headlights a regular clean. Dirt and road spray can build up on your lights, making them less effective. It’s also a good idea to check that your headlight cleaning system is working properly and replace any bulbs that have become dim or stopped working.
Treating your car to a good clean during the colder, wetter months can also help keep your lights clean and your visibility clear.
Test your brakes
If you’ve been driving in heavy rain or through standing water, check your brakes before continuing your journey. If too much water has got into your braking system, it can seriously affect braking performance and hinder your ability to slow down or stop.
Once you’re safely clear of the water, gently apply the brakes to make sure they’re working as usual. If they feel less effective, apply them a few more times to help dry them out, but if they still don’t feel right, pull over somewhere safe and contact a professional for help.
Be observant
It’s important to be extra observant when you’re driving in the rain, especially when visibility is reduced. Keep an eye out for any hazards such as standing water, large puddles or wet leaves and give yourself plenty of time to manoeuvre safely.
Be Prepared
Harsh weather can increase the risk of breaking down, so a little preparation can go a long way. Keep an emergency or breakdown kit in your car including things like:
Warm clothing
Blankets
Food and water
Phone charger
It can take longer for any recovery vehicles to get to you in harsh weather, so make sure you have everything you might need to stay warm and comfortable while you wait. If you have to sit with your car turned off, you won’t have any heating to rely on so a warm blanket and extra layers can make all the difference.
Consider Other Road Users
Driving safely in the rain isn’t just about protecting yourself; you also need to consider other road users too. Be mindful of those around you and take extra care when driving in wet conditions.
Give cyclists plenty of room when overtaking, leave a safe distance from the vehicle in front and avoid driving through large puddles that could splash a nearby pedestrian. A little extra consideration can help keep everyone safer on the road.
Want to keep your car protected through the colder months? Find out how to protect your car interior and exterior during winter.
When It's Safer Not To Drive
Sometimes, the safest option is to delay your journey until the weather improves. If heavy rain is causing severe visibility problems, roads are starting to flood, or weather warnings are in place, wait until the weather improves before setting off.
If you’re already on the road and conditions become too difficult, or you don’t feel confident driving, find somewhere safe to stop and wait for the rain to ease. It’s better to get to your destination later than to put yourself and other road users at risk.
With the right preparation, you can help keep your vehicle safe and road-ready whatever the weather. At Euro Car Parts, you can find everything you need to maintain your car from wiper blades and bulbs to tyres and car care products. Simply enter your registration number into our tool, and we’ll show you the compatible parts for your make and model.
For more tips about driving and car maintenance, check out our other helpful articles and guides.
FAQs
Is it safe to drive in heavy rain?
Yes, it’s safe to drive in heavy rain, but take extra care. Slow down, leave more space between vehicles and use your headlights to improve visibility. If conditions become too difficult, pull over somewhere safe and wait for the rain to ease before continuing your journey.
What is the safest way to drive during rain?
The safest way to drive in the rain is to take the journey slow, leaving plenty of space and avoiding sudden braking or steering. Keep an eye out for standing water and make sure your tyres, wipers, and lights are in good condition.
How fast should you drive in the rain?
There’s no specific speed limit for rain, but you should adjust your speed to suit the conditions, especially if visibility is poor or the roads are slippery.
What should you do if your car starts to aquaplane?
If your car starts to aquaplane, it’s important to stay calm, ease off the accelerator and avoid sudden braking or steering. Let your speed drop gradually until your tyres regain grip.
What should you do if you break down in the rain?
If you break down in the rain, move somewhere safe, switch on your hazard lights and call your breakdown provider. If you’re on a motorway, get out of the vehicle from the side furthest from traffic if it’s safe to do so and wait somewhere away from the road. Keep yourself warm and dry while you wait for assistance.
Should you use cruise control in the rain?
It’s best to avoid using cruise control in heavy rain or on wet roads. Keeping control of your speed yourself makes it easier to react to changes in road conditions, such as standing water or reduced visibility.