We reveal five ways to drive safely in wet weather conditions.

Blog: Have you been affected by the Cumbria floods?

Difficulty: Medium
Time: 15 minutes

What you need:

• Your car
• A 20p coin
• The ability to change your driving style

Gallery: Cars stuck on flooded roads

Driving in wet weather

1. Brake earlier. Stopping distances double in the wet – it can take 46m to stop after braking at 30mph.
2. Avoid driving through flooded roads, as they can ruin your engine and reduce the effectiveness of the brakes.
3. If you have to pass through a flood, try to assess how deep the water is. If there are vehicles already crossing, watch them and see how they fare. Don't forget - 4x4s will find this kind of terrain far easier than a small sports car.
4. Use first gear.
5. Move at a slow pace and keep your revs high to avoid stalling the engine.
6. Avoid charging straight through a flooded area - this will create a bow wave that'll engulf your car and other road users.
7. Test your brakes after passing through water. If they feel spongy or slack, pull over - your car may not be safe to continue until weather conditions improve.
8. If you live in an area under flood warning, park your car on higher ground if it’s safe to do so, and take any important items out of your car.
9. Don’t splash pedestrians by driving through large puddles. You could be fined up to £2,500 for inconsiderate driving.
10. For more information read our flood advice for motorists.

What is aquaplaning?

‘Aquaplaning’ occurs when your car makes contact with a layer of water too fast, causing the tyres to brush against the surface of water rather than the road. If this happens:

1. Try not to brake hard or steer suddenly.
2. Let the car coast to reduce speed and regain grip.

Check your tyres

1. Look at your tyres once a week, as they determine your car’s grip on the road.
2. Check the tread depth. The legal requirement is 1.6mm, but at least 3mm is recommended for better grip.
3. Take a 20p coin and place it in the lowest piece of tread depth in the tyre. If you can't see the outer band of the 20p coin, the tyre is legal.
4. Make sure your tyres are inflated to the recommended pressure, as found in your vehicle handbook.
5. Check for any bumps, bulges, splits, cuts, cracks and objects stuck in the tyres.

For more advice, view this essential tyre safety video with motoring expert Quentin Willson:

Avoid skidding

1. Leave plenty of room between you and the car in front.
2. Drive slowly and carefully.
3. Brake steadily before approaching a corner, and well in advance.
4. Avoid over-steering and accelerating suddenly mid-turn.
5. If your vehicle loses grip while turning, depress the clutch and turn the steering wheel into the direction of the skid.
6. Avoid braking suddenly – this can lock the wheels and prolong the skid.
7. Some new cars feature safety aids which can reduce the effects of skidding.

Travelling in strong winds

1. Slow down. Gale force winds can be violent on bridges and in gaps between buildings and trees.
2. Anticipate you or other road users being blown off course, especially cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders, which can be forced into your path.
3. High-sided vehicles such as caravans and coaches can also veer off course from strong winds, so be careful when passing them.
4. Concentrate on your steering to avoid moving uncontrollably in the wind.

Directions: View our step-by-step guide