Tropical storms are common in Malaysia, and they can range from heavy downpours to light sprinkles, which can be a hassle for road users.

Driving in the rain can be a challenge even if you are an experienced driver, as the roads tend to become slick and heavy rain can cause low visibility. If you do not know how to handle your vehicle during bad weather conditions, this can result in a higher risk of accidents.

It is advisable to avoid driving during a storm, but sometimes this is not possible. Hence, you must be on high alert during these times and drive safely.

Below, we’ve compiled some important tips to refresh your memory so you can drive safely through the rain.

  

1. Make sure your car’s equipment is working well

Ideally, you should check your car’s equipment regularly to ensure it is always in good working condition. During rainy weather, this step is even more important for your safety. Check your headlights, tail lights, windscreen wipers and tyres before you set off.

Your headlights and tail lights should work with a bright enough beam (but not dazzling) so others on the road can spot your vehicle.

The treads on your vehicle’s tyres should be at least 2mm deep so that they can grip the road properly. Any treads that are less than 1.5mm deep can cause your vehicle to lose traction when the roads are wet and may lead to aquaplaning.

The windscreen wipers should be working well to sweep the water cleanly which will help increase the road visibility. The rubber or silicone on the wiper blades will degrade over time and should be changed every year, depending on the condition.

  

2. Stay alert at all times

You should be alert whenever you’re driving and when it rains, you’ll need to pay even more attention to the road. Many road users may speed to escape the bad weather and reach their destinations.

Be extra cautious when you need to turn at a junction or when merging into another lane. Take note of blind spots and practice defensive driving to prevent unwanted incidents.

  

3. Use your vehicle’s lights appropriately

As mentioned above, headlights are important to ensure that other drivers can spot your vehicle when visibility is low but keep them dipped so you won’t accidentally dazzle other road users.

Your headlights need to be turned on whenever there’s heavy rainfall, even during the daytime. In addition, strong headlights help illuminate the road for better visibility.

However, make sure you do not switch on your emergency lights when you encounter bad weather as it can confuse other drivers who might think that you need to stop. Instead, only use them when you have a genuine emergency.

  

4. Slow down

You must never speed during a heavy downpour as wet roads can be more slippery than expected, making it more difficult to control your vehicle. For safety purposes, reduce your speed and keep to the speed limit.

If you have cruise control, switch it off when the rain hits. That’s because cruise control needs a second or two to disengage, which means you lose precious time if your vehicle suddenly aquaplanes and you need to slow down. Cruise control also causes your car to speed up if you experience aquaplaning.

  

5. Stay calm if you experience aquaplaning

Aquaplaning (also known as hydroplaning) is a dangerous situation that can happen when it’s raining.

Simply put, it happens when a layer of water builds up between the tyres of your car and the road, causing your vehicle to lose contact with the road’s surface. Aquaplaning causes your vehicle to slip and slide, as your wheels are unable to gain traction.

You can tell if you are aquaplaning when you feel your steering wheel becoming light and unresponsive, hear your engine becoming louder, and you feel the back of your car drifting side to side (fishtailing).

If this happens, don’t panic. Your first instinct may be to stomp on the brakes but do not do that as you may lose control of the car.

Instead, gently take your foot off the accelerator so your car will gradually slow down. This may be counterintuitive, but you should steer your vehicle slowly in the direction that you’re aquaplaning so your wheels can realign with the front.

Once your vehicle’s wheels come in contact with the road, steer your car back on its course. You mustn't make any sudden turns, jerks or slam your brakes as it could cause your vehicle to overturn or skid in the wrong direction.

  

6. Avoid going through puddles and be aware of water spray

If you see a big puddle on the road while driving, try to avoid it by changing lanes or steering around the area. That’s because you won’t know how deep the puddle is and going through a puddle can cause your vehicle to aquaplane.

Additionally, the splashes of water could get into your engine and damage the internal systems. If you feel that your brake rotors need to dry off, simply tap on your brakes lightly.

You should also be aware of water spray from lorries or other heavy vehicles as it could temporarily reduce visibility on your windscreen.

At the same time, avoid driving quickly over puddles near pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists so that you don’t cause a huge splash.

  

7. Brake cautiously

One of the main reasons accidents happen during heavy rain is that drivers mistakenly stomp on their brakes while driving on wet roads.

The sudden braking can cause the car to skid forward, increasing the risk of colliding with another vehicle. Alternatively, you should tap gently on the brakes in preparation to stop which also alerts the person behind you that your vehicle is slowing down.

  

8. Maintain a safe distance between vehicles

It is vital that you maintain a safe distance between vehicles, and this is especially true during bad weather. Wet roads make braking more difficult, and you have less reaction time in case a car in front of you slows down, increasing the risk of accidents.

Make sure you leave enough braking distance between you and the vehicle in front. It is recommended to keep several car lengths away from the vehicle in front and if someone is tailgating you, let them pass.

  

9. Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel

As a seasoned driver, you might be used to driving with one hand on the wheel, but in a rainstorm, it's advisable to keep two hands on the wheel to maintain a firm grip.

Having total control of your car will help keep it in line in case it starts to drift off the road in bad weather conditions.

  

10. Beware of breakdowns

It’s no surprise that vehicle breakdowns occur more often when the downpour gets heavier as the increased moisture can cause problems with your engine or internal systems.

If your vehicle breaks down during this time, keep your bonnet closed to prevent further water damage and never restart your engine if it stalls after driving through deep water. If you experience any vehicle issues when driving in the rain, make sure to call your insurance provider to get the necessary roadside assistance.

For Kurnia Comprehensive policyholder who experience a breakdown or accident, you can call 1 800 88 3833 or use the One Touch app for 24-hour roadside assistance.

  

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Disclaimer: This blog post is strictly for informational purposes, and should not be taken as advice of any kind. Kurnia disclaims all responsibility for any losses resulting from reliance on the information contained in this article.