The Metro has been lashed by heavy, torrential rains lately, and as you very well know, wet, rain-drenched roads mean decreased visibility and increased risk of accidents. Let these tips guide you to be ever vigilant and stay safe on the road.
SLOW DOWN. Driving fast in the rain is dangerous, because it increases your chance of hydroplaning and losing control of your car. When rain starts to pour, slow down to manageable speed, keeping in mind the minimum speed limit if there’s any. In case your tires start to lose its grip, don’t step on the brakes in panic, reduce speed instead until you regain control of your vehicle, then bring your car to the side of the road.
TURN YOUR HEADLIGHTS ON. If your car doesn’t come with running lights, make sure to switch your headlights on when you begin to have a hard time seeing what’s in front of your car. If you can’t see far ahead, chances are your fellow drivers are having the same problem. Turning on your headlights makes it easier for them to spot you. And make sure to practice proper turn signals for the sake of those behind you.
REPLACE WORN WIPER BLADES. A streaking wiper blade is not only a nuisance, it can also impede your ability to see the road clearly. Make sure to replace your wiper blades once a year—twice if you use your car frequently.
MAKE SURE YOUR BRAKES ARE IN GOOD CONDITION. Your brakes are your most potent protection against road mishaps, so make sure to stick to its periodic maintenance schedule. If you start encountering problems with it, such as if the brake pedal feels mushy, sticks to the floor, or if it takes longer for you to come to a full stop, have your brake system inspected by a mechanic straight away.
AVOID FLOODED ROADS. When you’re stressed by the rain and traffic, it can be easy to be tempted into driving into a flooded road. In these cases, it pays to know your car’s wading depth. Better yet, park your car and wait for the water to subside, or turn around and look for another route. Avoid letting your emotions get the best of you. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
STAY GASSED UP. You don’t want to end up stranded with an empty fuel tank when the weather rears its ugly head. For safety and convenience, keep your tank no less than one-fourth full, and avoid driving around with your low fuel light on. These are good driving practices regardless if you’re driving in the rain or not.
If the rain starts to fall and you notice your gas level is low, visit to your nearest Cleanfuel station, where you can experience “Quality Fuel for Less” and find high quality Euro 4 Diesel, Clean 91, Premium 95 octane gasoline at a lower price than major fuel distributors.
In case of a heavy downpour, Cleanfuel stations also boast clean and spacious restrooms with air conditioning, easily accessible air and water services, and a bunk bed station for private and taxi drivers set up at selected Cleanfuel stations for those times when driving into flooded streets is simply not an option.