Driving in the rain can be very dangerous, but if your car is in good working order, you should be able to reach your destination without any complications. There are many components that go into ensuring your safety while driving, but some of them are even more important to take into account when it rains.
The most important car parts to take into account when it rains
Tires
Your tires are the only point of contact between your car and the road, making their condition vary important, especially in problematic weather conditions like the rain. The most important thing to take into account when it comes to tires is the tire tread depth, which must be sufficient to effectively channel water away and maintain grip. The shallower the thread the more it can compromise water evacuation and increase the risk of hydroplaning, so try to have newer tires when possible, especially during rainy seasons.
Additionally, it is also key to check the expiration date of your tires as old tires are more prone to fail and to maintain the correct tire pressure. Underinflated tires deform excessively, reducing the effectiveness of water drainage and weakening sidewall stability, especially when cornering.
Shock Absorbers
Shock absorbers play a vital role in vehicle stability, and their importance increases in rainy conditions. They help control body movements and maintain proper traction on both the front and rear axles. While new shock absorbers can go unnoticed, worn-out shock absorbers fail to stabilize the vehicle, leading to excessive vertical and lateral movements that can alter your driving line. Even with modern Electronic Stability Control (ESP), worn shocks can limit your car’s ability to respond safely so have them checked often and replace them when needed.
Brakes
When driving on wet roads, braking efficiency decreases and stopping distances increase significantly, this is because brakes work on friction and water helps make components glide better, which is the last thing you need when dealing with rain. One of the ways you can minimize the impact of water on your brakes is to ensure your brakes are in optimal condition to maintain proper pedal feel and prevent wheel lockup, which forces the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) to intervene. Check the brake pads, discs, and hydraulic pressure to ensure they function effectively, especially in slippery conditions.
Windshield Wipers & Lights
Rain reduces visibility, so properly functioning windshield wipers are crucial. Even if you live in a drier climate and do not use them very often, wiper blades can dry out and lose effectiveness over time, which can actually make them more dangerous to use as they will not clean the water from your field of vision. If you are unsure of when they need replacement, a good indicator is if they streak or leave areas uncleared.
Maintaining proper lighting is also very important, and not just to see the road ahead, but also to make yourself visible to other drivers. Many modern cars have daytime running lights (DRLs), but in heavy rain, it is also advised that drivers turn on low-beam headlights to make their position clearer. A myth is that you should use fog lights to do this, but they are actually dangerous in the rain, as they can create excessive glare when reflecting off wet surfaces.
Preventing Window Fogging
While not exactly a car component, it is also very important to keep your windows free of steam. If your car is in working condition, the climate control system should function properly to clear fogged windows quickly and the best way to prevent fogging is to activate the air conditioning and set the temperature between 20°C and 21°C. This will also ensure that the temperature is not too uncomfortable inside the vehicle.
