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With flooding and rain alerts recently happening across the UK recently, some drivers can find they're uneasy heading out in such conditions.
As a result, motoring experts at Xcite Car Leasing have shared five essential tips to help drivers stay safe driving in rainy weather, as well as sharing to avoid getting £7,5000 worth of fines and causing £4,000 worth of damage to your car.
Check out the tips below to make sure you're driving safely in the wet weather.
1. Don't splash pedestrians – it could cost you £5,000
With the UK's rainy weather, puddles are a common sight on our roads. While it might be tricky to avoid them, drivers should take care and go slow to prevent damaging their cars or splashing pedestrians – which could land you a hefty fine of up to £5,000!
The Road Traffic Act of 1988 warns against 'careless, and inconsiderate driving', including splashing pedestrians by driving through puddles. If you're caught doing this, you could be slapped with a £100 fine, and if taken to court, this could skyrocket to £5,000.
2. Be mindful of where you park when it's windy
Heavy winds can cause problems even when your car is parked, due to trees or lamposts coming down and causing damage to your vehicle. Try to park away from these to avoid them falling onto your car, whether this be branches from a tree or parts of a lamppost. Leaves on your vehicle can cause damage to your paintwork at this time of year.
When driving in strong winds make sure you hold on to the steering wheel firmly to make sure you have control of your vehicle, with gusts having more of an effect on handling at higher speeds. Also be careful when you're overtaking bigger vehicles such as lorries and caravans as high-sided vehicles are more exposed to windy conditions. This also applies to cyclists, who can move out into the road if the wind catches them.
Will Bullen at Xcite Car Leasing advises drivers to stay safe during stormy weather. He said: "We recommend driving safely in any sort of weather, but extra care should be taken during adverse weather conditions. Make sure you are keeping a safe distance from other drivers on wet roads and leaving enough braking distance, as well as keeping your vehicle in a safe condition.
"We recommend checking your vehicle's battery, for an EV or ICE car, as well as making sure your windscreen wipers are working efficiently to make sure you can see during heavy rainfall, and avoid being fined for using a vehicle in dangerous driving."
3. Keep your electric vehicle (EV) battery topped up
It's no secret that weather conditions can affect your EV range. In fact, your EV can use around 10% extra energy in colder temperatures, and with the UK weather set to take a chilly turn, it's more important than ever to keep your battery topped up.
Rainy weather can make your car work harder, needing more power and charge to move through standing water. But don't worry, you can safely charge your vehicle in the rain as the chargers are waterproof.
4. Driving puddles could cost you £4,000
If the water is deeper than you think and gets into your engine or electronics, it can cause serious damage. A new engine can cost over £1,500, depending on your car. Plus, driving through water can cause your car to stall, damaging valves and rods, leading to an even bigger repair bill.
So, take a moment to check out any flooding and decide if your car can get through without getting damaged. If you're not sure, it's best to avoid it if you can, either by going around it safely or changing your route.
If you do splash through a puddle, take it slow. Afterward, pause or slow down to let the excess water drain, and don't forget to test your brakes once you're clear.
5. Keep your wipers in check to dodge a £2,500 fine
The spray from other cars can mess with your vision on wet roads keeping your distance can help. Make sure your windscreen wipers are working properly to avoid a hefty £2,500 fine and three points on your licence for 'Using a vehicle in a dangerous condition' under the Highway Code.
The Highway Code advises staying 'well back from vehicles' in wet weather. The stopping distance will at least double on wet surfaces due to reduced tyre traction. It's best to ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually. Keeping a distance also gives you more time to react to other drivers who might brake suddenly.
Check that your headlights are fully functional too, and that you can see more than 100 metres ahead. This can also save you from a similar fine as above.
* This article was crafted with the help of an AI tool, which speeds up Daily Star's editorial research. An editor reviewed this content before it was published. You can report any errors to [email protected]
- Motoring
- Driving
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