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Domingo, 5 de enero 2025, 10:05
In January, well into winter, weather conditions worsen, as we can see these days with the arrival of a storm bringing strong winds and rain to different parts of Spain. When there is rain and wind, it is important to drive responsibly by reducing speed and adapting it to the special conditions of the road and weather.
It is also necessary to increase the safety distance from the vehicle in front and avoid distractions and overtaking at all times. In strong wind situations like the current one, the steering wheel should be held firmly with both hands. It is advisable to avoid tunnels and bridges. One must consider the 'screen' effect, a situation that occurs when overtaking a large vehicle: the car's direction becomes uncontrolled and it is important to correct it.
It is advisable not to use the vehicle without checking the weather or traffic conditions. There are circumstances where it is better not to drive, such as torrential rains or strong gusts of wind. Nowadays, technology allows us to know real-time traffic and weather forecasts. Norauto recommends checking this information before a trip, especially if it is long, and advises avoiding driving in extreme situations where safety cannot be guaranteed and visibility is poor.
It is also common to drive through puddles without knowing their depth. This is another major mistake made by many drivers. In these cases, the risk of aquaplaning increases. The depth of the puddle is unknown, and therefore, the tire may lose contact with the asphalt, resulting in a loss of vehicle control.
As drivers, we must consider other more vulnerable road users: pedestrians, motorcyclists, cyclists, and electric scooter users. If they are caught in the rain on the road, their vulnerability increases. It is advisable to increase the safety distance from them and significantly reduce speed. It is important to remember that we are all vulnerable road users at some point.
Rain is the most common weather phenomenon in autumn and especially in winter in Spain, and when water is involved, the risk of having an accident increases by up to 70% according to several studies collected by the DGT.
When it rains while driving, it is necessary to use dipped headlights, increase the speed of the windscreen wipers during overtaking, extend the safety distance, and turn on the heating to prevent the windows from fogging up. Additionally, before starting to drive, we must ensure that the tires are in good condition by checking the wear of the main grooves of the tread.
If we encounter aquaplaning - where the tires cannot displace water from the road due to wear, low pressure, or excessive speed - we should hold the steering wheel firmly, not brake hard, and when we feel that grip is regained, correct the trajectory smoothly. Besides these general considerations, experts also remind us of the main mistakes when driving in bad weather.
Firstly, they highlight not checking the tires: they are undoubtedly one of the most important elements of the vehicle as they are the only connection between the car and the road. If the tire is not checked, it may be worn out and, therefore, lose grip, especially in wet conditions. Regulations state that the tread depth should not be less than 1.6 mm, although, for better grip and safety, it is advisable to have more.
The wear of a tire should be checked with a depth gauge. At home, this can be done quickly using a coin as a reference. If the coin is inserted into the tire grooves and the outer rim of the 1€ coin is not yet visible, it means the tire is in good condition. However, if it can be seen, it means the tread is below its limit, and it would be advisable to change it.
Wear indicators can also be located on the tread. Manufacturers include a series of indicators on the tire sidewall, which can be the brand's logo, a triangle, or the initials TWI (Tread Wear Indicator). A tire close to this wear limit may not be safe, so it is recommended to change it beforehand.
Another mistake is not checking the good condition of the wiper blades, both front and rear: in the rain, the wipers help remove water so the driver can see. If they are not in good condition, they do not sweep correctly and, therefore, can worsen visibility. Instead of cleaning, they may smear more.
The optimal functioning duration of wiper blades is approximately one year. Following this is not checking the windscreen washer fluid: it is important for cleaning the windscreen during the first drops of rain, precisely the most critical situation, as the few drops of water mix with dirt. The level should be checked and topped up if necessary. Although not only in rain, it is also advisable to check oil, power steering, brake fluid, and especially antifreeze.
It is common not to check the proper functioning of the climate control or the system for defogging the windows. Windows fog up when they are cold and due to the temperature difference with the vehicle's interior. Many vehicles have an automatic anti-fogging system for the windows, both front and rear. Otherwise, the air conditioning can be directed at maximum towards the windows.
Regarding lights, daylight hours decrease, and autumn rains further impede proper vision. Therefore, it is necessary to check that no light is blown and that they are levelled. In the rain, position and dipped headlights should be on. Fog lights only if the rain is heavy.
Another common mistake is not verifying the proper functioning of the brakes: a professional mechanic should check pads and discs. It should not be forgotten that braking distance increases in the rain and that the road is especially slippery with the first drops. At a speed of 50 km/h, the braking distance can almost double in the rain.
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