Wet braking is possible but requires a series of precautions for the maneuver to be carried out safely.
How many times have you been driving in the rain? Water on the road surface can cause many problems and requires skill in handling maneuvers such as braking. If you find yourself having to brake in the wet, you can do it, but remember to implement a series of precautions so that the maneuver does not become a risk for you and others.
First, driving on wet surfaces requires a longer braking distance than normal driving on dry surfaces.
• The first rule of thumb for braking properly in the wet is definitely to go slow.
• The second double the safety distance to have enough braking distance without colliding with whoever is in front.
• The third rule, on the other hand, is: never brake in the wet if you are faced with the phenomenon of aquaplaning.
In this case, the wheels’ adherence to the road is completely lost, with the consequent temporary loss of control of the vehicle. Braking could have risky results, so even if you instinctively want to brake, you shouldn’t do it at all.
Always remember to check the condition of the four tires (two if you have a motorcycle). Verify the correct pressure (checking the manufacturer’s manual for your vehicle). It is always better to drive with wheels in perfect condition, choosing a model suitable for the climate zone in which you live.
• Rain tires (designed to improve grip and allow rapid water evacuation);
• 4-season tires (with these, you can ride all year round, regardless of the weather);
• Winter tires (ideal if you live in areas where it usually snows);
• Motorcycle winter tires (provide more safety for your motorcycle or scooter)
Having established these first fundamental rules, here are some useful tips for using the brakes correctly on wet surfaces and, generally, for driving safely even when it rains.
How to use the brakes in the rain?
If you need to brake in the wet, you should never use excessive force. Rain can cause less grip of the wheels on the asphalt, and sudden braking can cause you to lose control of the car. Instead, you must dose each movement, accompanying the pedals gently but decisively and choosing the appropriate maneuvers case by case.
If you are driving in the rain on a straight road and encounter an obstacle you need to brake, and you can do so as long as you can go straight. When you avoid the obstacle, take your foot off the brake and turn to correct the trajectory. All this, always adjusting the foot’s sensitivity on the pedals so that the maneuvers are fluid and not abrupt.
If, on the other hand, you realize you’ve taken a corner too fast in wet conditions, gently apply the brake. In this case, never squeeze the clutch, as you risk unbalancing the tires and losing control of the car when cornering.
How to drive when there is a lot of rain?
When driving on wet surfaces, you should always:
• Slow down for safer driving;
• Double the safety distance because braking times have lengthened;
• Reduce the humidity in the passenger compartment to prevent the windows from fogging up;
• Avoid sudden correction maneuvers, such as braking or swerving;
• Stay in the center of the road as much as possible: even in asphalt drainage, the water tends to accumulate more toward the sides of the road.
• Avoid puddles or get over them very slowly, if they are very deep, they can damage wheels, suspensions, and rims.
• Pay attention to signs indicating a slippery road and potholes;
• Avoid underpasses, which are often subject to flooding: the risk is wetting the car’s electrical system or allowing water to enter the engine.
When it rains, what should you do inside your car?
When it rains, poor visibility can also be a danger factor. Here’s what needs to be activated on your vehicle to upgrade it as much as possible.
The windshield wipers remove water and dirt. Note: in case of very heavy rain, they may not be able to properly remove the water, further confusing the contours of things.
To prevent the windows from fogging up, it is advisable to use hot air or cold air from the air conditioning system, which, being less humid, will help you see better.
headlights, even during the day, for better visibility on the road.
fog lights if visibility is very low due to rain.
How many mm of rain is considered a hazard for driving?
Rain is measured in millimeters with an instrument called a pluviometer: 1 mm of rain is equivalent to 1 liter of water falling on a surface of 1 square meter.
The intensity with which the rain falls is another important parameter to understand what type of rainy event we face. In general, the unit of time used is the hour. Regarding this millimeter/hour relationship, here is the official classification to understand how many mm of rain is dangerous when driving your vehicle :
