While great for gardens and reservoirs, the first rains after a dry spell can be hazardous for motorists, particularly when combined with Level 4 weather warnings for severe thunderstorms, warns the Tyre, Equipment, Parts Association (TEPA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI).
Vishal Premlall, the national director of the TEPA, explains that rain mixes with oil and debris on the road, causing a slick road surface, which can put you at higher risk of losing control over your vehicle.
According to the TEPA, there are four rules for driving in wet conditions – slow down, turn your lights on, never overtake when visibility is impaired and keep more distance between you and other vehicles.
“These four actions are essential safety tips when driving in the rain. However, there is much more to know about vehicle safety when it’s raining,” says Premlall.
He explains that many components if poorly maintained, can negatively affect how a vehicle performs in wet conditions. These include the tyres, the windscreen wipers, the brakes, the shocks and the suspension. When it comes to tyres, tread depth is everything, says Premlall.
“Tyre tread helps disperse water effectively and stop the vehicle during routine and emergency braking. If the tyre tread is low, aquaplaning can occur. This happens when the tyres lose grip on the road surface and instead slide on a film of water atop the road.
“It is dangerous because aquaplaning drastically reduces a driver’s ability to steer and brake. Also, check that your tyres are not wearing unevenly. Sometimes you can’t see this from the outside because the tyres wear off on the inner edge when the vehicle’s wheel alignment is out.”
Tyre pressure is vital and should be checked regularly at a cold temperature or before driving too far.
“The correct tyre pressure keeps the optimum tread area in contact with the road surface to improve handling and responsiveness. It also helps in getting the best fuel economy from your vehicle.
“Remember, warm air expands. Checking tyre pressure when the tar and conditions are hot could cause an overstating of the current pressure. The cold rainy conditions might cause your tyre to be underinflated,” Premlall explains.
He says fitting a tyre pressure monitor could pay dividends in maintaining tyre pressure and, at the same time, optimising fuel consumption.
“With an early indicator of loss of pressure, you will be able to stop and change the tyre without irreparably damaging it and/or vehicle, and even more importantly, risk yours and the lives of your passengers,” he explains.
Other vehicle parts with a role in how your vehicle will perform when the heavens open up include windscreen wipers, brakes, shocks and suspension. The braking conditions and trying to stop the vehicle in wet weather are not the same as in dry conditions.
Avoid harsh or sudden braking in wet conditions. It is best to slow down and look as far ahead on the road as possible rather than hit the brakes because you suddenly see a car in front of you. Braking suddenly on a wet road can cause a vehicle to skid.
“In addition, a cracked windscreen and headlights that do not work properly are cause for concern. Poor lighting and unfocused headlamps are a recipe for disaster in the rainy season for drivers and other road users,” says Premlall.
The TEPA recommends visiting one of their accredited fitment centres to have your vehicle checked by experts for any wear and tear that could affect performance when driving in wet conditions.
“Don’t gamble on your vehicle’s condition because, in doing so, you compromise your own life and that of your family and other road users.
“A simple once-over and the right advice at an accredited tyre and fitment centre will enable you to keep a grip on things in wet weather and arrive at your destination safely,” concludes Premlall.
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