Will it ever stop raining?

With much of the country experiencing heavy rain there is rather a lot of flooding or standing water around. Driving in these conditions can be hazardous and there are plenty of risks. These include; aquaplaning, reduced visibility and the engine sucking in water.

Here is Autoglaze’s top tips for driving in flood conditions…

Before setting off

• Inspect your windscreen wiper blades. If they are really old or broken, get them replaced.
• Check your headlights. Make sure you can be seen by other drivers. If a bulb has broken – replace it.
• Have you got roadside recovery? Take a mobile just in case.
• Let friends know your intended route.

On the road

• You must use headlight. If your visibility is reduced, consider less than 100 metres (328 feet). The highway code states you must use headlights. Keep them dipped.
• Only use fog lights if it is foggy. Otherwise other driver may not see you brake lights clearly.
• Slow Down. A bit obvious, it never ceases to amaze me how fast people drive in heavy rain.
• Increase your stopping distance.
• Avoid driving too fast through standing water. There can be a real threat of aquaplaning.
• Try to drive safely round standing water. Getting water into the car engine through air intake valves will seriously damage your car. Big 4×4’s are not immune. Drive slowly through standing water can create a bow wave. But too much water in the engine bay can affect electrics and the engine.
• Think about pedestrians. Splashing a pedestrian may result in points on your license or a fine.
• Be considerate to other road users and try not to spray pedestrians and cyclists as you drive through water