There’s nothing quite like the sudden shift in weather when a sunny day turns into a downpour—especially when you’re already on the road. Visibility drops, the road becomes slick, and let’s face it: even confident drivers can feel a bit uneasy. Wet conditions change everything, and if you’re not prepared, they can catch you off guard real fast.
We’ve seen our fair share of rain-related breakdowns and accidents—some avoidable, some not. So, whether you’re a seasoned driver or just trying to get through your daily commute without a scare, here are some real-world tips to help you stay safe when the skies open up.
Ease Off the Gas, Not Just for Safety—For Control
It might sound obvious, but one of the best things you can do when the rain hits is slow down. Wet roads reduce your tires’ grip, and the faster you go, the less control you have. Hydroplaning—that scary moment when your tires ride on top of water instead of gripping the road—is far more likely at higher speeds.
Take it from us: we’ve towed more than a few vehicles that ended up in ditches or fences simply because the driver didn’t ease off the accelerator when the rain started coming down.
Keep Your Distance—And Then Some
On dry roads, the general rule is three seconds behind the car in front. In the rain? Bump that up to five or even six seconds. Why? Because it takes longer to stop, and if the vehicle ahead suddenly brakes, you’ll need extra time to react.
It’s not just about you—it’s about the people around you, too. Defensive driving becomes even more important when road conditions are slippery.
Check Your Wipers and Lights Before You Even Start
We can’t tell you how many people don’t realise their wiper blades are worn out until it’s too late. If your wipers leave streaks, skip across the windshield, or make a screeching noise—they’re overdue for replacement.
And headlights? Always turn them on when it’s raining, even during the day. It helps you see better and makes your car more visible to others. Just don’t use your high beams—they reflect off the rain and make visibility worse.
Watch for Standing Water—It’s Not Just a Splash
Puddles may seem harmless, but if you can’t see how deep they are, don’t take the risk. What looks like a small puddle could be hiding a pothole big enough to damage your suspension—or worse, stall your engine if water gets sucked in through the air intake.
We once towed a car that tried to power through a seemingly shallow puddle. The engine sucked in water and seized up completely. That one puddle cost the driver a few thousand dollars and a lot of headache. Lesson learned: if in doubt, steer around it or wait it out.
Avoid Sudden Moves
Sudden braking, sharp turns, and quick acceleration are a recipe for losing traction. Smooth and steady is the way to go in wet conditions. Brake gently, steer with purpose, and don’t make any panic moves.
If you do start to skid, take your foot off the gas, steer in the direction you want to go, and don’t slam on the brakes. It’s easier said than done, especially in the heat of the moment, but staying calm helps you regain control faster.
Keep Your Tires in Good Shape
Tread depth is crucial on wet roads. Bald or worn-out tires can’t channel water effectively, increasing your chances of slipping. Make a habit of checking tire tread and pressure regularly. If your tires are borderline, rainy weather is the final push to replace them.
One of our customers called us after their car spun out in traffic—they had bald tires and hadn’t gotten around to changing them. Fortunately, no one was hurt, but the car ended up needing major repairs. Tires matter more than most people think.
Avoid Cruise Control in the Rain
Cruise control is great on dry highways—but it’s not your friend in the rain. It can actually increase your chances of hydroplaning. If your car starts to slide while cruise control is on, you’ll lose the ability to quickly reduce speed by lifting off the gas.
Always stay in full control of your vehicle when road conditions are wet. Let your instincts, not the computer, guide you.
Plan Ahead, Especially for Long Drives
If heavy rain is in the forecast and you’ve got a long drive ahead, it’s worth considering whether the trip is necessary. If it is, leave early, give yourself extra time, and map out alternative routes just in case. Sometimes, avoiding flood-prone areas or busy intersections can save you time and trouble.
And always make sure your phone is charged and you’ve got our number saved—because if anything does go wrong, you’ll want help on the way fast.
If You Can’t See, Pull Over
Sometimes the rain comes down so hard you can barely see the car in front of you. If your visibility drops to unsafe levels, don’t push through it. Find a safe spot to pull over—preferably a rest area, parking lot, or wide shoulder—and wait it out.
Hazard lights on, engine running, and stay in the vehicle if it’s safe. Better to arrive late than not at all.
Rain doesn’t have to be dangerous, but it does demand respect. With a little preparation and a lot of patience, you can stay safe and in control—no matter what the weather throws at you. And if you ever do get stuck, slide off the road, or run into trouble out there, don’t hesitate to reach out. Rainy days are busy ones for tow trucks, and we’re always ready to help you get back on the road, dry or drenched.
If you are in Somerton, and looking for a nearby towing service, this is the best way to visit us.
Reservoir Towing
58 Anstey Ave, Reservoir VIC 3073
(03) 7046 4990
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