Weather Warning: Advice for Driving in Heavy Rain and Floods

Water can seriously damage your car, but sometimes you can’t help being caught out in heavy wet weather – whether it’s torrential rain causing rivers to burst their banks, damaged water pipes covering a road or drains that simply can’t cope.
In this article, we look at some ways you can protect your car during heavy rain and floods.

We have a few tips on driving in heavy rain which should help improve your confidence and safety on the road:

1. Prepare before you leave

Before you head out, make sure your car is ready for the weather and you’ve packed all the essentials you may need. Check that the windscreen wipers work – these are usually made of plastic and rubber attachments which can get damaged over time. Also, check your tyres’ tread depth – worn-out tyres puts you at a higher risk of skidding. Make sure your car has enough fuel for your journey and back – the traffic might be slow and you could find yourself stuck in a queue for a long time when it’s raining. Make sure the headlights, heating and hazard lights work properly. These basic features of a car can be really helpful if you’re ever stuck in bad weather. You may want to carry some essentials in case you’re stuck in traffic such as a phone charger, water and food such as protein bars, a torch, hi-vis clothes, jump leads and an ice scraper. Some people also invest in mudflaps to prevent their car from getting dirty.

2. Maintain a safe driving speed and distance

Driving fast on slippery roads can be dangerous as your car’s reaction time is slower than usual. Collisions are common during heavy rains as it can take more time to bring your car to a stop. Make sure you drive slower than usual – you’ll find most cars around you doing the same so it’s good to follow suit. As per the Highway Code, you should leave at least twice as much space between you and the car in front as you normally would – stopping distances in rain are double what they would be in normal driving conditions.

3. Visibility

Visibility reduces when it rains because of the water droplets and the reduced reflectivity of light. It can be harder to see other road users, any objects in the way and road signs. According to the Highway Code, your headlights must be turned on if visibility reduces to less than 100m in front. If visibility is seriously poor, you can use your fog lights – just remember to turn them off again when the weather starts to improve.

4. Breakdown

If your car breaks down, don’t panic. Try and get out of the traffic, and stop in a safe place such as lay-bys, emergency areas or hard shoulders. Turn on the hazard lights and sidelights, and place a warning triangle at least 45 metres behind your car to warn other drivers, except if you’re on a motorway. And finally, get out of the car and stand out of the traffic in a safe place. If you have a breakdown cover, call your provider and they will send you a trained mechanic to fix your car or tow you to the nearest garage. If you don’t have a breakdown cover, you could get an ‘instant cover’ with a provider or call a local garage for assistance. Don’t leave your bonnet propped open while you wait for help to arrive, as rain could make it harder to start your engine, or even ruin your electronics.

5. Reconsider driving in the rain

Avoid driving in heavy rain if you can hold off going out for some other time. Driving in bad weather can be stressful and it can take more time than usual to reach your destination. Keep an eye out on the local news for the weather forecast and any news on road closures and flooding. If you can’t avoid driving, try and find a safer, alternative route – it may take longer but it should be safer. Read more tips and advice on how to drive in bad weather conditions to ensure you’re prepared in advance for the rainy days.

If you have to pass through floods or standing water as part of your journey, you should:

1. Avoid big puddles

Some parts of the road may be more waterlogged than others, so avoid driving through those spots. If you can’t avoid a puddle, drive slowly to reduce the risk of aquaplaning. If you start to aquaplane (your steering will start to feel light), keep calm and slow gently by easing off the acceleration. Avoid driving through moving flood water that’s more than four inches (10cm) high. Fast-moving water can be deceptively powerful and could sweep your car away in the worst instances.

2. Drive in low gear

Driving in low gear prevents water from entering the car’s exhaust. Keep the car in first gear and the revs high to keep the clutch engaged to prevent the car from stopping and breaking down.

3. Look out for driving hazards

Flood or standing water can make it much harder to see the kerb or other hazards like potholes or speedbumps, so it’s important to drive slowly and be aware. Be aware of other hazards, such as manhole covers lifted by water or other debris floating.

4. Dry the brakes

Once you’ve made your way out of the water, you should dry your brakes to prevent them from getting damaged. You should apply the brakes lightly as you drive once you’re out of the water to dry your brakes.

5. Be mindful of other road users

It’s important to ensure others’ safety as much as yours when driving in heavy rain and flooding. When passing through water, let approaching traffic go first, then drive slowly. If you drive fast and splash water onto pedestrians or cyclists on the pavement, you could be fined and get points on your licence. Got some advice for your fellow drivers? Share your tips with us on Twitter or Facebook, and we’ll get them added in!

Your car has many moving parts that work together to help you get from one place to the other.
If you don’t take extra measures when driving in rain, you could end up with water seeping in and damaging your car, and a big bill for repairs. Wash your car after it rains to prevent the car wax coat from getting damaged. Avoid getting rainwater in the interiors of your car – you could end up with mould, mildew and rust if you don’t take proper care. It only takes a small amount of water to wreck your engines, and as many car engines’ air intake is low down on the front of the car - driving headfirst through high water can be incredibly risky (and expensive). Related: How to spot a flood damaged car.

If you can't avoid driving in heavy rain or bad weather conditions, make sure you carry out the following checks before you set off:
• Check your windshield wipers, headlights, fog lights, tail lights and any other equipment • Check the tread of your tyres, it'll be more difficult to grip on wet surfaces without a deep enough tread. • Ensure you can properly ventilate your car if the windows are fogged up. • Test your breaks, especially before you join a busy road.

It takes as little as 15cm of fast-flowing water to knock you off your feet, and just 30cm of flowing water could be enough to move your car. 60cm of standing water is enough to float your car, and it only takes an egg cup’s worth of water to wreck your engine.
Floodwater can be contaminated and put you at the risk of infection - urban floodwater can carry dangerous bacteria from drains and sewers, while rural floodwater could be contaminated by agricultural chemicals and animal waste.

If your car won't start at all, or starts briefly and stops again; there’s a fast cranking or whirring sound when you turn the key; and/or there’s a strong smell of petrol near the exhaust pipe then water may have gotten into your engine.
There are several checks you can do, including: Checking interior carpets, upholstery and panels for damp – if they do feel wet, you should get the professionally seen to. Leaving them to dry can cause mildew and mould to grow, and could cause rust in the seat brackets and motors. • Checking the engine oil, transmission fluid dipsticks and differential plug. If the fluids appear milky or diluted then you will need a professional to look at them, so as to avoid the risk of permanent damage. • Checking the air filter for water – if it’s wet, it’ll need replacing and your oil will need changing. • Checking your exterior lights for signs of trapped moisture or water. If they do contain water, the bulbs and lights may need replacing. • You should also check the car’s exterior for mud, grass and debris. If left on, it could result in rust and further damage so clean it off as soon as possible. After you’ve driven through water, pay close attention to your brakes and suspension – they may need to be checked for rust or water damage if you have any issues. Also listen out for strange noises when the engine is running, as these could indicate undetected