Increased braking distance on slippery roads during rain, what should be done while driving?
3 Answers
Emergency braking should be avoided as much as possible. Below are some methods for maintaining your car after it gets wet in the rain: 1. Wash the car promptly: Rainwater in cities is usually acidic and carries sticky substances that remain on the car after evaporation, making them difficult to remove. Therefore, car owners should not be lazy after the rain and should send the vehicle to a 4S shop or a professional car detailing shop for cleaning as soon as possible. Pay special attention to cleaning out sludge and other debris from the gaps under the doors and inside the wheel hubs, and ensure these areas remain dry. Also, clean any dirt from the car's chassis. 2. Paint care: Since rainwater often contains acidic substances that can corrode the outer glossy layer of the car's paint, and it also carries invisible dust that can lead to the formation of oxides when exposed to sunlight, it's advisable to perform a paint treatment after the rain. A simple and effective method is waxing. 3. Brake system dewatering: Most car braking systems use a dual-circuit vacuum-assisted hydraulic brake, and the brake fluid that transmits the braking force is highly absorbent. If rainwater enters the brake fluid, it can cause brake failure or even complete loss of braking. Therefore, during maintenance, it's essential to check the brake fluid and any water traces on the brake discs to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers.
When driving in the rain, the roads become particularly slippery, and the braking distance increases significantly. Having driven for many years, the most important thing I've learned is to slow down. I usually keep my speed slightly lower than usual to ensure I have enough reaction time in case of emergencies. Additionally, maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front is crucial—normally one or two seconds might suffice, but in the rain, I extend it to four or five seconds. If the rain is heavy and fogging becomes an issue, I turn on the defogger and headlights to improve visibility. I remember one time on the highway when it suddenly started raining, and I didn’t slow down enough—I almost rear-ended another car. Since then, I’ve been extra cautious. When weather conditions change drastically, I check the tread depth of my tires beforehand, as worn tires lose grip and are more prone to skidding on wet roads. While driving, I don’t just focus on what’s ahead but also frequently check the rearview mirror and both sides to avoid sudden braking or sharp turns—these habits significantly reduce risks. In short, developing good driving habits is essential, and never underestimate the impact of rainy conditions.
I'm usually a young person who's always in a hurry, but when it rains, I never dare to be careless. The key is to slow down first—I typically reduce my speed to about 80% of the speed limit, which gives me much more braking buffer. Also, maintaining a safe following distance is fundamental; don't tailgate too closely. Rain makes the road as slippery as if it were oiled, and if the car ahead brakes suddenly, you won’t have time to react. I also like to use the car’s assist systems, like ABS anti-lock braking, but it’s not a cure-all—its effectiveness decreases in heavy rain, so I rely more on my own smooth operation. By the way, rain can easily fog up the windows or blur visibility, so I turn on the wipers and air conditioning defogger to ensure a clear view. Additionally, avoid distractions like using your phone or chatting while driving in the rain—staying focused on the road can prevent accidents. These habits have helped me get home safely during many rainy commutes. Once you develop these practices, you’ll gradually find driving in the rain less intimidating.
