Use These 7 Tips To Travel Safely During This Rainy Season

The rainy season is upon us, and it's the last month of the year. In Malaysia, we have two seasons: the Cool Rain season and the Hot Sun season. During the monsoon season, we get more rain than usual.

Due to the low visibility, it can be hard to see properly when driving through heavy downpours. Here are some tips to help you navigate through the conditions.

1. Check Your Tires and Wipers

Before you head out into the rain, make sure that your wipers and tires are in good condition. If your tires are bald, it could cause your vehicle to hydroplane and lose its ability to grip the road. Also, make sure that the rubber on your tires has a depth of at least 2 millimeters.

It's also important to check the condition of your windshield wipers every six months. Doing so will allow them to keep working properly and remove the water from your screen.

2. Don't Speed

Regardless of the situation, it's important to slow down when it rains. Doing so will allow you to avoid getting stuck in the traffic and putting yourself and other people at risk. If you have to be somewhere, you can also leave early to give yourself ample time to get to your destination.

In Malaysia, most towns have lowered the speed limit on major roads during heavy downpours. Doing so will help keep the drivers safe and avoid getting into an accident. In wet conditions, your vehicle will have to adjust to the lower traction.

3. Turn On the Headlights

Even if it's raining during the day, it's still important to turn on your headlights to improve visibility. Doing so will allow you to see the road better and give other drivers an indication that your vehicle is moving. Even if the rain is heavy, you should still turn on your emergency lights to alert other drivers. This is because, even though the emergency lights are on, they should not be activated if the vehicle is moving.

If the road is covered in heavy rain, stop. Turn on your hazard warning lights and keep your headlights on to alert other drivers. Be careful not to get hit by other vehicles as visibility is reduced.

4. Both Hands on the Wheel

One of the most important factors that you should consider when it comes to driving is having both hands on the wheel. This will allow you to maintain total control of your vehicle even when the road is slippery. It's also handy when driving in the rain because the wind can easily shift the steering wheel.

5. Keep a Safe Distance

During your driver's examination, you were taught about the 9 seconds rule. This rule relates to the distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you. It's important to remember this because if the car in front of you suddenly hits the brakes, you have time to react and stop your vehicle before an accident occurs. The risk of getting into an accident during heavy downpours is much higher.

6. Avoid Using Cruise Control

Cruise Control is a great feature that can be useful when the weather is dry, but it should only be used during wet conditions. It can increase the risk of losing control of your vehicle due to how it allows you to drive at a constant speed. If you use the cruise control while driving, your vehicle will also speed up as it will start to hydroplane.

7. Keep Calm if Hydroplane Occurs

A layer of water that's built up between your vehicle's tires and the road can lead to hydroplaning, which can cause you to lose control of your car. If you're experiencing this type of issue, you can expect your steering wheel to feel light and unresponsive. You can also hear displaced water coming from the inside of the wheel arches.

If this happens, it's important that you remain calm and do not hit the brakes as this will only cause your vehicle to slide. You can start by gently removing your foot from the gas pedal. With that in mind, allow your vehicle to slowly move until the tires are back in the road.

If your vehicle hydroplanes, what do you do? The first thing you should do is avoid the urge to hit the brakes. You can also start by gently removing your foot from the gas pedal. After that, turn your steering wheel to the right side of the road so that your vehicle can move forward.

In wet weather, it's important to be extra cautious. Slow down and avoid hard braking. Also, do these things at the same time. Whenever possible, accelerate and brake at the same time.

If you're having a hard time braking, brake lightly. If you have an automatic braking system, you should put your foot on the brake while applying even pressure. The system will then pump the brakes for you. The ABS will then engage and disengage the brake pedal, which will feel a pulse.

These are just a few tips that you can use to stay safe while driving in the rain. The ultimate advice is to always remain alert and focused on the road. Doing so will allow you to reach your destination safely and sound.