Tips for driving in heavy rain and wind
Driving in heavy rain and even snow is a serious consideration for road users at this time of year. You can get your vehicle ready in advance with some simple checks.
Heavy rain on the roads
Poor visibility is just one challenge to contend with when driving in heavy rain. Put your lights on to help you see, but also to make sure that other drivers can see you. Keep it steady, and use your wipers. The speed limit for the road is the fastest you are allowed to drive, not a suggested speed. When the weather is inclement, reduce your speed accordingly.
However, vision is not the only concern. Aquaplaning is a real threat not only while the rain is falling, but also afterwards, so take extra care and anticipate the risk. Aquaplaning happens when there is a thin sheet of water left on the road. Sometimes, your vehicle hits it at excessive speed and you travel on the water rather than the road surface. Travelling on the water means you risk losing control of your vehicle, as you might on ice. There are steps to avoid it, however.
First of all, don’t panic if you find yourself sliding on the water. As with ice, although your instinct might be to brake, don’t. Braking might lead to skidding out of control. Steer gently in the direction of your skid to help your tyres to realign and allow you to take control again.
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You will feel when your tyres are back on the road. At that point, you are safe to continue, though you may want to pull over and take a minute as it can be a frightening situation, particularly for drivers with less experience. Making sure that your tyres are in good condition with plenty of tread can help to avoid the situation.
Driving in strong wind
Wind can pose just as high a risk to drivers as rain or snow. High wind can strike at any time of year and on any road, although it is riskier on open roads. Read the landscape. Open spaces are more susceptible to strong winds; look at the trees as a good indication. Trees will show how strongly the wind is blowing at any given time, but they will also indicate whether a regular prevailing wind direction as their branches tend to grow better on one side than the other, creating a sheared effect.
In many cases, it is the gusts of wind that can cause the biggest problems. You can anticipate them by reading the signs and slowing down.
Take extra care around lorries and other high-sided vehicles. The wind causes them extra difficulty and makes them more likely to cross their lane lines.
Good tyre grip is essential in these conditions. Why not use the handy search function here on the Protyre website to find the right tyres for your car. From Pirelli to Bridgestone, Falken to Sumitomo, we offer great value and quality. Alternatively, you can get in touch with Protyre today and book a free tyre check with our friendly qualified fitters who will be happy to provide advice.
Choosing the Right Tyre Made Easy
When it comes to your car's safety and performance, tyres can play a huge role. That's why we've put together a collection of helpful articles to guide you through the process of selecting the perfect tyres for your ride and maintaining your vehicle in general.
If you're looking for a smoother, more luxurious driving experience, premium car tyres might be the way to go. Or, if you want added security against flats, run flat car tyres could be your best bet. Trying to decide between summer car tyres and winter car tyres? We've got you covered there, too.
We also dive into the world of tyre brands, comparing top manufacturers like BF Goodrich tyres, Bridgestone tyres, Continental tyres, Dunlop tyres, Falken tyres, General tyres, Goodyear tyres, GT Radial tyres , Hankook tyres, Michelin tyres, Pirelli tyres, Runway tyres, Sumitomo tyres, and Toyo tyres.
But we don't just stop at helping you choose the right tyres – we also share tips on how to keep them in tip-top shape. From checking your tread depth and keeping your tyres properly inflated to extending their life through regular rotation and balancing, our articles have got you covered.
So, whether you're a car enthusiast or just looking to keep your vehicle safe and reliable, our car help and advice articles are here to help you make informed decisions about your tyres. Check them out and feel confident in your tyre choices!