On the road, in the rain

H. Kishie Singh

If you can’t remember when you last changed your windshield wipers, they need to be changed right away. Also get some windshield washer fluid. Top up your windshield water bottle. 

The monsoon is here and good visibility is one sure way to keep you safe. At the first hint of rain, which could suddenly become a downpour, turn on your headlights. Keep them on low beam. To see and to be seen is the key to survival.

Good tyres are an absolute must. Even tyres with 50 per cent tread remaining may not give the required traction on a muddy and water logged road. Worn out tyres will increase braking distance. Reduced traction can lead to a situation where the car can go into an uncontrolled skid. 

If it is time to use wipers and headlights, it is a sure indication that driving conditions have changed, sometimes drastically. Slowdown, keep your speed low so as to be able to stop suddenly. Maintain a safe distance from the car in front. For sure your braking and stopping distance has increased. Adjust your speed and distance accordingly. Stay focused, be more alert than usual.

A very real danger on our roads is an open manhole or a pothole full of water. They can both cause damage to the tyres, suspension and steering. Every couple of 100 metres, pump your brakes. This will dry them out. 

Wet brakes, disc or drum, lose their efficiency. Gentle use will keep them dry and ready for instant use. Try and avoid severe braking. 

It is just as important to keep the car interior warm and the glass area clean for all around visibility. 

The interior fogs up because of lack of ventilation. This is cleared easily by the controls on the dashboard. First, let the fresh air in. The air vents should be directed towards the windscreen and the heater should be on with the fan on slow or medium speed. In case the windscreen starts to fog up, turn on the AC.

This may sound crazy but yes, the heater and AC should be on simultaneously. Why? With rain, the humidity goes up. The moisture in the air settles on the glass area and condenses, reducing visibility. The AC throws out cool dry air, mixed with the warm air, kills the humidity in the cabin and the whole glass area is clear. 100 per cent visibility. 

There is another problem you may face on the highway: hydroplaning. During a heavy downpour, the road has a sheet of water covering it. The tyres push the water aside. At some stage, when the water is deep, the tyre is unable to push it aside. When this happens the tyres are riding on a film of water and have no contact with the tarmac. The steering is rendered useless. The car is an unguided missile! You have no control over it. It may have a mind of its own. This leads to a very dangerous situation and possible disaster.

The only remedy is to take your foot off the accelerator. As the car loses speed, it will settle down and the tyres will make contact with the tarmac. 

A bad situation averted! Proceed with caution.

Happy Motoring!