Our Top 4 Safety Tips for Driving in Stormy Weather

We’re only one month into the new year and already the UK has seen three different storms come and go. Whilst it’s advisable to not drive in heavy rain and stormy conditions, this isn’t always avoidable.

If you find yourself in a situation where you must drive in such conditions, then it’s important that you understand how to do so as safely as possible. We’ve listed our top tips below advising you on what this entails.

Don’t Drive Through Flooded Roads

One risk drivers commonly take that, more often than not, doesn’t pay off, is driving through flooded roads. Floods can be deceiving, often appearing shallower than they actually are, which catches many drivers out.

Upon coming across a flooded road, it’s best to turn around and find an alternative route, as even if your car does make it through, it could still damage your engine, cause improper brake functioning and affect other aspects of your car.

If you do drive through standing water, do so slowly and in a low gear, then gently test your brakes to ensure they are working properly after exiting the puddle and allow excess water to drain/evaporate before accelerating off again.

Take it Steady

When driving in wet conditions, especially whilst it’s raining, remember to take more care than usual. Leave yourself more space between your car and the car in front of you, allow yourself more time and distance to slow down so that you aren’t braking sharply and reduce your speed in general - especially when driving in the rain and the dark or when approaching bends.

Prepare for Your Journey

Before setting off on your journey, ensure that you’re prepared. This includes knowing the route you will take (and potential alternative routes) and ensuring you have plenty of fuel for the journey - journeys in wet-weather are more likely to take longer, traffic jams are much more likely and access to petrol stations may be restricted due to flooding.

It’s also worth giving your car a check over, checking the tread depth of your tyres and the condition of your windscreen wipers to ensure that your car is in the best condition to drive in.

Watch Out for Aquaplaning

Aquaplaning is what occurs when there is too much water between your tyres and the road, causing your car to lose direct contact with the road. If this occurs, your steering will likely feel too light and the back of your car may feel like it’s drifting side to side.

In this situation, it is vital that you don’t panic. Instead, take your foot off the accelerator and allow it to slow down gently. Don’t hit the brake or steer suddenly, as you are more likely to lose control of your vehicle.



Visit a Vehicle Mechanic

If you’ve driven in stormy weather and are worried that your car has sustained internal water damage, then it’s best to take it to see a professional. Here at Gearbox Specialists, we specialise in gearbox repairs, along with brake and clutch issues.

To arrange for your car to be seen by us, get in touch with us today.