How To Drive Safely On Wet Roads
Driving on wet roads refers to situations where the roads are wet due to rain or other wet conditions such as snow or ice but not flooded, For efficient driving here are some tips that can be followed by having Continental Tyres Coventry who have award-winning tyres for wet weather.
Stay vigilant
Driving becomes dangerous during rainy weather because reaction time will be slower as the Distance of braking is longer than usual. This means that you require more focus and look for signs of danger on the road than a person who is not a patient.
Evaluate risks
Since you slow down when driving on wet roads you have to be even more cautious as well as quick so as not to cause an accident. This means, for example, having a better look at the road and all other vehicles, and being ready to manoeuvre if the situation requires it.
Increase the following distance
This simply implies that leaving a larger space will mean that the driver will take more time to make a reaction such as steering to avoid an object in front of the car. This is crucial especially when driving during the rainy season because it allows the driver to have that additional time to avoid an accident or an object on the road.
Here you are leaving a larger space that in turn means that your risk involved in an accident will be less.
Invest in quality tyres
This can cause the braking distance to be up to 30% more than in dry weather conditions, having a lower tread tyre can also further this distance. Thus, it is advisable to take a look at its tread to determine if the car is fit to be on the road; tyre experts suggest replacing the tyres once they reach approximately 3mm of the tread.
Premium tyre brands can also help with stopping distance as mentioned in our other blog shaking one of the other premium brand tyres. In case one uses a car often in areas where there is a lot of rain, getting good wet-weather tyres is recommended.
How to prevent aquaplaning
Avoid puddles
Aquaplaning is most likely to occur on puddles and standing water; thus, where possible, do not drive through them. This may not be possible if cars are surrounding you; if you have to manoeuvre through them, you should do so slowly.
Reduce speed
All of us who self-motivate have probably come across this piece of advice at some point, and it mostly is very sensible. furthermore, the visibility is limited during the rain and lots of cars lose the adhesion on the road.
You will be in a much better position to change your speed, and engage your brakes and any water that you are likely to encounter will most probably be negotiated at a much slower speed thus avoiding aquaplaning.
Also, the faster you are travelling, the harder it is for your tyres to disburse the water, so slowing down will give you the most grip.
Avoid abrupt braking
In case a driver experiences the above car conditions, and ends up in aquaplaning, the most important factor to take is not to be scared. It will enable you to respond appropriately thus focus will have to be kept.
Some applied simplest measures, like if the car starts to skid, the driver will instinctively step on the brake, which will make the car skid even more. Do not stamp on the brakes, but instead ease off the accelerator gently to shed off the excess speed, and regain control of the car.
Smooth handling
Avoid being as abrupt as you can with the inputs and the car should get back to its normal stance and find grip again. It is also not wise to attempt to dodge, as this may even cause the car to flip and at the same time, there are other cars on the road which this may cause an accident.
Steer safely
Aquaplaning is not similar to sliding so do not try to steer your vehicle into the slide. You should pay attention to an empty and safe region to halt the race, and gently turn and gear up in the direction toward this region.
In a rear-wheel drive car, it may be advisable to gradually let the pressure off the accelerator whilst turning toward the open space.
Conclusion
To adapt your car to avoid a situation of aquaplaning and to implement the best practices during your trip, you will be able to reduce the risks to a minimum. Therefore, if one is put in this position due to their cheap tyres Coventry, staying cool and adhering to these tips will enable a driver to regain control of their car.
Read Also: Tyres are not with your vehicle forever
Guide To MOT Test
The United Kingdom attaches great importance to the maintenance of a safe and roadworthy vehicle fleet. The Ministry of Transport (MOT) test is an annual inspection which all vehicles must complete in order to ensure that they meet safety and environmental standards. In this article, we will explore in detail the history of the MOT test, why it is necessary, and what it involves.
What is the MOT test?
An MOT test is an annual test carried out on virtually every vehicle in the UK which determines the vehicle’s safety, road worthiness and exhaust emissions. The test is performed in approved garages, testing centers, and is obligatory upon almost all vehicles older than three years (four years in Northern Ireland). The availability of the test certificate reassures the driver that his or her vehicle and the road users in general are safe.
When Does a New Car Need its First MOT Test?
A new car under the law, performs its first MOT no earlier than three years or, in other words, not earlier than three years from his date of registration. The date of a vehicle's registration may be located on the V5C registration certificate. Furthermore, following the first test, the said MOT examination must also be carried out every year so as to ascertain that the car remains roadworthy.
What Does an MOT Test Cover?
The MOT test is a procedure that involves a thorough examination of the safety and road worthiness of a vehicle. The examination includes a number of checks on:
Exhaust Emissions: This test examines the exhaust emissions of the vehicle to check its compliance. It also has examination of the muffler system, catalytic converter and dpf – diesel particulate filter.
General Roadworthiness: The assessment, also known as the overall inspection of the car, takes into account other aspects of the car such as tires, brakes, suspension, steering, and bodywork.
Vehicle Safety: The assessment of the vehicle safety features such as belt, airbag, and abs.
Lights and Electrical Equipment: This checks lighting features such as that of head lamps, tail lamps, break lamps, indicators as well as the presence of other lights.
Tyres: This test assesses the quality, dimensions and tread wear of the wheel in relation to set regulations.
Braking Systems: The test examines the overall condition and efficiency of the braking system, paying attention to the brake pads, discs, and drum components.
Body and Structural Integrity: Assessment of the body's exterior and internal structure for damages, tears, dents, or signs of rust is conducted.
Seats and Safety features: This includes testing all seats and safety belts to make sure that they are working properly and in a suitable condition
Horns and other Warning Equipment: The test includes an assessment of the working efficiency of the horn and other warning equipment such as hazard lights and ensuring they are in working order.
Suspension and Steering: The assessment looks at the state and operational efficacy of the suspension and steering systems.
What Happens if My Vehicle Fails the MOT Test?
In the event that the vehicle does not manage to pass the MOT test, you will have to repair all the defects found in the course of the test that led to the failure. You may have the repairs performed at the testing station or some other garage instead. After all the repairs have been performed, you can Book MOT Reading test again.
Tips for Passing the MOT
Here are some helpful tips that will help you pass the MOT test tips:
Prior to taking your vehicle to the MOT test, ensure it is roadworthy and fit for the test. For instance check the tyres, oil, and brake fluids’ levels and correct those that are out of the normal range before the test.
Ensure that all lights on the vehicle work including; main beam, tail lights, and brake lights.
Inspect the front windscreen and if there are any chips or cracks consider replacing it.
Check the condition of the vehicle’s exhaust pipes and ensure there are no holes or leakage.
If there are seat belts fitted in the vehicle, check their condition and whether they are working.
A check should also be done on the steering wheel especially whether it is tight and that the horn is in working condition.
These tips can help to boost your chances of a successful outcome during the MOT test and help to eliminate the need for expensive repairs.
How Much Does an MOT Cost?
In the United Kingdom consumers and car owners pay different prices for the MOT test that is determined by the automobile and the particular testing center. To begin with, it is important to note that the UK government has set a maximum charge that can be levied on an MOT test that is 54.85 pounds for cars and 29.65 pounds for motorcycles at present. Nonetheless, a majority of the testing centers provide some price cuts and special offers, with the lowest price rated at roughly 20-30 dollars. It is also possible for some garages to have an arrangement of providing a free retest should your automobile not pass the first test. However, it is important to note that do Always compare rates.
Conclusion
Having looked at the above, it is right to say that the MOT test is a mandatory cause for concern to vehicle owners in the UK. It assures that vehicles are roadworthy, safe, and do not degrade the environment in any way. Knowing what the MOT test entails and its timing, will help the driver to keep their Car Repair Reading within the UK’s regulated standards.
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