Last week, streets in Seville were flooded for traffic. The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) insists on both normal days and rainy days to maintain a safe following distance. Because the ground is slippery from rain, it is «highly recommended to considerably increase the safety distance from the car in front, especially to avoid, in the event of an unexpected brake, impacting the car ahead as the braking distance lengthens due to the road condition».
Braking Distance Another point from the DGT that must be taken into account on rainy days is that stopping a car on a slippery surface will take more time and space than if the ground were dry. In the rain, the most sensible thing is to drive more slowly. Drive by adapting the speed to the circumstances of each moment, each place, and the type of layout and its condition.
The possibility of aquaplaning is drastically reduced by using tires with the correct tread and pressure, as with this weather phenomenon, the grip of the tires is key. It is advisable to check if the air vents are closed, as with them open, these tips will be useless». Likewise, it is explained that «fallen leaves from the trees onto the asphalt become an apparently harmless carpet, but they can lengthen the braking as if it were ice, as they retain water and prevent the tire's rubber from gripping the asphalt well».
«If it is pouring rain or the cloud has darkened the area until it is almost night, it is highly advisable to turn on the dipped headlights, something that those with an automatic lighting system will also have to do manually. For this reason, it is essential to increase the safety distance».
For fogging up, «the most suitable is to mix the air conditioning with the heat from the heating and direct this mixture towards the front windshield. In a few minutes, the car will have defogged. In this case, you must hold the steering wheel firmly, not brake hard, and correct the trajectory gently when the grip is recovered».
Another concept to be aware of is aquaplaning, which occurs when the tire is not able to displace the water from the road due to lack of tread, low pressure, inadequate speed, or because of a puddled area. The DGT points out that «it is very important to know and apply the correct pressure recommended by the manufacturer to avoid asymmetric wear, higher fuel consumption, and to increase the chances of aquaplaning».
Various studies conclude that «the difference between braking on dry asphalt at 90 km/h and doing so on a wet floor is 32 meters more. If it is winter and it is raining or snowing, driving this way is «one of the best decisions that can be made», according to the DGT».
On the other hand, you must observe the tread of the tires, whose minimum depth must be at least 1.6 millimeters, but it is advisable not to let them wear out so much.
