If you can’t, be aware that grip levels on the road ahead will be diminished, as fluid from the puddle is dropped along the Tarmac by other cars.Once you exit the other side – and especially if the puddle is on the deep side – pause for a moment if you can to let any excess water drain away and flow back to where it came from.This will help you maintain momentum when you travel through the puddle, creating a bow wave so you don’t get bogged down. Once you’ve confirmed you can drive through the puddle and determined your route, keep your vehicle in a low gear (second is generally adequate) and engine revs up.This way you can pick a safe path across. If the puddle is shallow enough to drive through, try and spot any objects that may cause damage to your car’s wheels, tyres or suspension, potentially leaving you mid-puddle with a problem.Even in this instance the water will eventually find its way in. Modern vehicles’ door seals are good and keep water out, but this can make a car buoyant, meaning it could begin to float if the water gets too deep leaving you stranded. If you suspect it’s too deep, or you can't be sure, always find another way to your destination.Try and find a stick or an object to find the lowest point. If the water is muddy you might not be able to see the bottom and gauge its depth. Size up the water first – even if it means you have to stop your car and get out (getting a bit wet is a lot better than being left stranded).“Puddles” may conjure an image of a small drop, but some can develop into sizable bodies of water.ĭriving through these puddles incorrectly could cause serious damage to your car not to mention cost an extortionate amount to repair.Īs a result we’ve put together some top tips for driving through them: Heavy rain may lead to large puddles, areas of standing water and even flooding in the event that you may have to negotiate these types of conditions on the road, read below for our advice on how to drive through deep puddles. Be considerate to other road users and try not to spray pedestrians and cyclists as you drive through water.To regain grip, ease off the accelerator, do not brake and allow your speed to reduce until you gain full control of the steering again If your steering suddenly feels light you could be aquaplaning. Driving too fast through standing water could lead to tyres losing contact with the road.If you break down in torrential rain keep the bonnet closed while waiting for help to arrive, to avoid the electrical system getting soaked.Listen out for local news bulletins to keep up-to-date with road closures, flooding and forecasts.Keep your air conditioning on, as this will stop your windows from misting up - furthermore, you can read our full advice page on how to demist your windscreen in double-quick time.Look out for large or fast-moving vehicles creating spray which reduces visibility.They can mask your brake lights and dazzle drivers behind you Use dipped headlights so that other drivers can see you more easily.Slow down. Reduce your speed and leave more space between you and the vehicle in front as stopping distances in rain are increased.
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