Here are some tips for driving in the rain and the flood, cause we all come across a flooded manila street even with the lightest of rainfall.
Driving in conditions that involve strong or heavy wind and rain may not seem like the most pressing safety concern for many drivers, but driving in severe weather conditions can significantly increase your risk and potential for a dangerous situation for you, your family, as well as other drivers on the road.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when driving through severe weather conditions.
1. Take your time.
Yes, we’re used to driving through traffic that moves at a snail's pace but in case you’ll be heading out of the metro remember to slow down during severe weather conditions. Speeding along with poor visibility and the chance of hydroplaning can be quite dangerous, so SLOW DOWN!
2. Beware of hydroplaning.
That’s the technical term for what occurs when your tires are getting more traction on the layer of water on the road rather than on the road itself — the result is that your car begins to slide uncontrollably. It's easy to hydroplane: All you need is 3mm of standing water on the road and a speed of more than 56kph. If you start to hydroplane, let off the accelerator slowly and steer straight until you regain control. Slow down and take your time.
3. Make sure your tires are good.
Probably the easiest way of getting into an accident when it's raining is because of old worn down tires. Making sure your tires have plenty of thread is VERY important. If your tires need replacing, you can always contact the Partspro.PH customer care team and will be able to assist you in getting the right tires for your vehicle. Or you can visit the Partspro TIRE PAGE where you'll find a huge selection of tires.
4. TURN ON your headlights and NOT your hazards.
Turning on your headlights will help others see you and having your hazards on will make others think you’ve stopped or stalled. If you need new lightbulbs for your car, make sure to check out the Partspro light bulb section.
5. Give some space.
Keep a greater distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Stopping your vehicle will be more difficult when driving in the rain. Maintain a distance of several car lengths between you and the vehicles in front of you. Need brakes? You can find all the brakes available at Partspro.PH here -> I NEED BRAKES.
6. If you break down don't prop the hood open while you wait for help. Rain-soaked electrics can make it harder to start the engine.
7. Make sure your wipers are in good condition, if not replace them. Having old dirty, worn down wipers can cause accidents because let's face it, if you can see because your wipers cannot clear your windshield properly, how will you be able to see what's on the road. Partspro has a variety of wiper brands available, they also have items like the Soft99 Glaco which help repel water from your windshield. Check out the Partspro Wipers page for more info.
Now, in case you run into floodwaters on the road keep these tips in mind.
1. Do your best to estimate the depth of the water. If it looks too deep, don't, remember it's better to be safe than sorry.
2. Drive slow and steady through the water. Don't try to cross a flooded street at 100kph. It's not safe for you and for others.
3. If you have driven through water that is up to the wheels/rims test your brakes as soon as you can on a clear patch of the road a low speeds. If they are wet and not stopping the vehicle as they should, dry them by pressing gently on the brake pedal with your left foot while maintaining low speed with your right foot. Need brakes? You can find all the brakes available at Partspro.PH here -> I NEED BRAKES.
4. When in doubt, don’t drive through it.
Stay safe everyone.