Heavy rain and flooded roads

Rain changes three things at once: how well the tires grip, how far you can see and how far others can see you. The car’s part of the job is tread, wipers and lights. The driver’s part is space and speed.

Tread and wipers come first

Tire grooves are there to push water out from under the tire. As tread wears, they move less water and the tire can ride up onto it. Wiper blades that streak make a bad view worse. Both are worth checking before the wet season rather than during it.

If the car starts to float

Hydroplaning feels like the steering has gone light and the car is sliding on its own. Ease off the accelerator, keep the wheel pointing where you want to go and avoid sudden braking until the tires grip again.

Turn around at flooded roads. A small depth of moving water can sweep a car away, and the road beneath may be gone.

Leave more room

Stopping distances grow on wet roads, so leave a bigger gap to the car in front. Turn on headlights in rain so other drivers can see you, and slow down before deep puddles rather than in them. After driving through water, press the brakes gently a few times to dry them.

• Tread checked before the wet season
• Headlights on in rain
• A bigger gap to the car ahead
• Never drive into standing or moving water