How to drive in the rain

As a motorist in the UK, you're probably used to driving in the rain. However, if you get caught in wet conditions on the road, it's important to make sure you're prepared so you can drive safely. Remember to always check the weather conditions before you set off and don't start your journey if it's not safe to drive.

Driving in the rain - the hazards

Reduced visibility

In heavy rain, your visibility when driving will be affected. Weather conditions like torrential downpours can result in your view from the driving seat being impaired and your windscreen wipers working overtime.

If you can’t see properly, then you might not be able to judge the distances in front of you or clearly see other upcoming obstacles on the road, impacting your ability to drive safely.

Rule 126 of the Highway Code states that the braking distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you should be at least two seconds when driving on a dry road, and at least four seconds in wet conditions.

Flooding

Heavy rain can also lead to flooding on the road. A danger of driving through deep water is that it can be difficult to identify just how deep it is.

It also may have been caused by other factors, such as a burst water main. If you are unsure how a flood or puddle has formed or cannot judge how deep it is, then avoid it altogether. If the water is fast flowing, do not attempt to drive through it. With a fast current, there's a real danger of your vehicle being swept off the road.

Pedestrians

With potential flooding and puddles on the road, the chance of splashing pedestrians is greater than normal. Even if you splash a pedestrian by accident by driving through a puddle at the side of the road, you could receive a fixed penalty and three points on your licence.

This is seen as driving without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other road users in the eyes of the law. If you deliberately splash a pedestrian with a puddle, it can lead to a public order offence, a court appearance and a fine.

Aquaplaning

Aquaplaning, or hydroplaning, might not be a term you've heard of before, but it's another hazard that comes with driving in the rain.

Aquaplaning is where a wedge of water forms in front of the tyre and lifts it up off the road surface. This is caused by the tread not being able to displace the amount of water present.

This results in you unable to control where you are going, and your momentum might carry you off the road or into other road users. Trying to turn while aquaplaning can also cause your car to spin, making it especially dangerous when your car eventually regains its grip.

If you find yourself in this situation, ease gently off your accelerator, have a firm grip of the steering wheel and be sure not to make any sudden steering actions. The car will eventually regain its grip as the water clears.

Our tips for driving in the rain safely

Give yourself extra time

Plan ahead if you're driving in heavy rain or if there are dark clouds in the sky. Your journey can be delayed as a result of bad weather conditions. Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time so you can remain calm and can drive safely.

Slow down and keep your distance

Driving in wet or rainy conditions means that your stopping distance will be at least double that of dry conditions. When driving on wet roads, you should drop back and lower your speed if you’re behind another vehicle. This gives yourself a clearer view of the road ahead and helps you to keep a safe stopping distance.

As set out by Rule 126 of the Highway Code, in wet driving conditions, braking distance between you and the vehicle in front must be at least four seconds. First and foremost, this keeps you and other road users safe, but it also prevents your windscreen from becoming covered in dirt and debris!

Stay at a safe speed

As braking and stopping distance is doubled in rainy weather, you should take this into consideration when driving. Slippery road surfaces reduce the traction between the tyre tread and the road surface. A safe speed to drive your car when driving in rain is usually around 5-10mph less than the speed limit.

Be careful of flood and puddles

If in doubt, avoid travelling through a flood or puddle and take an alternative route. However, if you have taken everything into consideration and decide to drive through, be sure to do so slowly.

The best approach is to press lightly on your clutch and apply gentle pressure on your accelerator to increase your engine revs. Do so without increasing your speed, in a similar way to how you would begin a hill start. This will prevent water from entering your exhaust.

If you are in an automatic car, accelerate slightly but control the speed with your brakes. When you have passed the flood, test your brakes to make sure they are dry and working properly.

Remember that some modern saloon cars have air intake in the wheel arch, which may be below the water level. If your engine should take in water, it will immediately hydro lock and the engine will stop.

Check your wiper blades

Unsurprisingly, your windscreen wipers, also known as wiper blades, will need to be working correctly to help battle the rain on your journey and help keep your vision clear. Familiarise yourself with the car's controls so you know how to manage the different speeds of your windscreen wipers.

If they’re damaged or worn, they won’t clear your windscreen properly. We recommend changing them every 12 months, but if you notice that they begin to smear or leave streaks across your windscreen, or even make a screeching noise when in use, they may need to be replaced sooner. You could also be hit with a £50 fixed penalty notice by the police if you are found to be driving with faulty wiper blades.

Check your tyres

Make sure your tyres are ready for wet conditions if you’re setting out in rainy weather. The legal tread depth should be at least 1.6mm and your tyres should be inflated as per manufacturer recommendations. The exact PSI can be found in your vehicle handbook.

All-season or winter tyres can help with traction, grip, braking and even lessen your chances of aquaplaning if you hit a patch of surface water.

Check your lights

Your lights will most likely be needed when it's raining, as they help enhance visibility. Therefore, it's important to check that they're working, especially if you haven't checked or changed them in a while.

Even during the day, rainy, cloudy or misty weather conditions can reduce visibility. Having inadequate lighting on your car, such as broken dipped headlights, puts other road users at risk – even more so in bad weather conditions like heavy rain.

Check your battery

When driving in the rain, you will find that you use your lights, heating and wipers more frequently, all of which rely on your car’s battery for power. It’s important to keep on top of your car’s battery health for exactly this reason.

Don’t get caught short with a dead battery in bad weather. Ensure you take proper care of your car’s battery by avoiding short journeys and running it for at least 15-20 minutes every time it is turned on. If you know you’re going to be taking a long journey in heavy rain, then you can also do things like unplug accessories in your car like charging cables, dash cams etc.

Clear your windscreen

Before setting off on your journey, check all your car’s wipers are working correctly, make sure you’ve topped up your screenwash and your air conditioning is set to demist so it can clear your interior glass if it fogs up during a downpour.

‘shammy’, handy in the car. They are used for cleaning mirrors, glass, drying and buffing cars and even polishing jewels! A chamois cloth is fantastic for keeping your windscreen clear and dry on the inside.

Be prepared for a breakdown

The RAC found that the number of breakdowns increases during wet weather. This is partly due to the wet weather affecting a car’s engine and electrics. No matter the weather, it's always a good idea to be prepared in case the worst happens.

Make sure your phone is fully charged and tune into your local radio station to listen out for delays and updates. Store a high-visibility jacket and triangle in your boot in case you do get stranded at the side of the road. A blanket, some emergency snacks and a torch could also come in handy.

If you do find yourself stuck on the hard shoulder in a storm, try to avoid opening the bonnet – if your engine gets wet it could do more damage. Always call for assistance and wait in a safe place.

What to do when driving after heavy rain

Top up your screenwash

Once the road gets wet, dirty splashback on your windscreen can catch you out when you’re driving. The rain might be gone, but it can leave your windscreen looking worse for wear.

If you're travelling far, you will get through a large amount of screenwash or water on a journey to get rid of the dirt. Make sure you have extra in the car, or you are fully topped up before setting off.

Wash, wipe, rub and scrub

It’s hard to believe how quickly dirt builds up on a car in the aftermath of poor weather. Before every journey, take time to remove any excess dirt from the lights, windows and ensure your number plate is visible.

The underside of your car can also end up with a build-up of dirt. Give it a regular hosing to minimise the chances of any damage and remember to clear any excess mud from brake discs.

Take it easy and keep your distance

Reduce speed and give yourself more time to complete your journeys. By slowing down you will reduce the risk of skidding due to any sudden manoeuvres. Don’t follow too closely behind lorries and other heavy vehicles. This is not only safe and prudent, but it will also reduce levels of dirt and other mess that gets sprayed onto your car.

Watch out for puddles and floods

The rain may have left large puddles on the road. As mentioned above, make sure to approach them with caution – they may be deeper than they first look.

Be cautious of skidding

The roads may still be wet, so your car may be at risk of skidding. If this happens, release the brakes and take your foot off the clutch. Steer to regain control, and only use the brake if you are unable to steer out of trouble. Steer in the direction you want the wheels to go – if your wheels are sliding right, steer right. You can then pump the brakes gently or apply steady pressure to the brakes.

Driving in the rain safety - UK theory test questions

What lights should you use when you’re driving on a wet motorway and vehicles are throwing up surface spray?

It's advised to switch on your dipped headlights when surface spray reduces your visibility on the road. In turn, this will help allow other drivers to see you.

What’s the minimum time gap you should leave when following a vehicle on a wet road?

It's always recommended that two seconds should be the minimum gap between your vehicle and the one in front. However, in wet weather this figure should be doubled to at least four seconds.

You’re travelling in very heavy rain. How is this likely to affect your overall stopping distance?

Due to the rain, the grip of the vehicle's tyres will be lowered. This means the car will travel further before the lower friction finally brings it to a stop. Ultimately, the stopping distance is doubled in the rain.

You’re driving along a wet road. How can you tell if your vehicle’s tyres are losing their grip on the surface?

When driving at speed in wet conditions, your steering may suddenly feel lighter, meaning that the tyres have lifted off the surface of the road and are skating on the surface of the water.

You’re driving in heavy traffic on a wet road. Which lights should you use if there’s a lot of surface spray?

If visibility is poor due to the conditions, use your dipped headlights. You want to make sure other drivers can see you, but you don't want to dazzle them.

You’re driving on a wet road. What should you do if you have to stop your vehicle in an emergency?

If you have to perform an emergency stop, try to react as soon as you can while keeping control of the vehicle. Keep both hands on the steering wheel so you can control the vehicle's direction of travel.

You’re following a lorry on a wet road. What should you do when spray makes it difficult to see the road ahead?

Large vehicles can throw up a lot of spray when the roads are wet, making it difficult for you to see ahead. Keeping a further distance will move you out of the spray and allow you see more of the road.

You’re following a vehicle on a wet road. You stay a safe distance behind it. What should you do if a driver overtakes you and pulls into the gap you’ve left?

It takes longer to stop when the roads are wet and you need to allow more room. If another vehicle pulls into the gap you've left, ease back until you've regained your stopping distance.