Tyres and Brakes
This is very important. Rain results in slick roads, which can cause your car to hydroplane as well as significantly increase stopping distance. If travelling at even a moderate speed, don’t get too close to the car in front of you, as a general rule, keep at least 1.5 to 2 car lengths between you.
Your tyres are important regardless of whether it’s raining or not, make sure you check that the tread on your tyre is clearly visible and not too worn out. A quick test you can do is take a Rs. 2 coin, if the tread depth is less than the border, you are in urgent need of a replacement.
As the tread starts to wear out, the grip reduces as well, significantly increasing the chances of hydroplaning. It also dramatically increases stopping distance as worn out tyres have a greater likelihood to slide, even with ABS. Making sure your brakes are functioning properly should be standard practice, but water can reduce the overall effect your brakes have. If you wade through water, not only will your brakes be less effective, but there is also a chance of debris clogging them.
A good tip to remember is immediately after wading through water, is to apply brakes with your left foot and gently depress the accelerator pedal, this will help dry your brakes as well as let you confirm that they are working properly.
Old Carpets
During periods of rain, think about putting in old carpets or getting rubber carpets to protect your interior. Mud is always a guarantee in Sri Lanka, so using older carpets or easy to clean rubber carpets will help prevent making a mess.
Ventilation when you park
If you have a covered parking area, don’t use a car cover. This traps moisture in and creates a humid environment which will promote rusting.
Drive Safe
The most important thing is to drive safely. While road rules and common sense seem to wash away with the rain, try keep a level head and drive safely.
Avoid flooded areas, 1 foot of fast moving water is enough to wash away most vehicles, while 2 feet can move SUVs, however just 6 inches of even stagnant water can have a significant impact on vehicle control.
Try to refrain from using your high beams as it impedes the visibility of oncoming traffic, and maintain stable speeds without attempting sudden maneuvers.
YOUR CAR & YOU