2nd November 2008

Tips for Driving in Heavy Rain and Floods

Car tyres in good condition are not an excuse for driving fast in heavy rain. There is a high potential of aqua planning, significantly reduced visibility and you may encounter a flooded road.This article provides advice about driving in heavy rain and what to do if you encounter a flood.During the winter months regularly check your windscreen wipers to ensure they can cope with heavy rain. If the rubber has deteriorated, replace it immediately. It’s very simple to do or local garage will be happy to help.If caught in a downpour then double the distance between yourself and the car in front. This is because stopping distances are increased on wet roads as your car tyres struggle to find grip. Visibility is also reduced which will lower your reaction time if required to brake suddenly.Even today’s modern road surfaces struggle to cope with a heavy downpour and standing water is a potential hazard. Try to avoid standing water and slow down. If you don’t there is a high risk of the car aqua planning.Aqua planning occurs when the car tyre’s tread pattern is unable to disperse enough water to maintain a point of contact between the tyre and the road. This makes the vehicle uncontrollable with the loss of steering, grip and a sensation of driving on ice. It can be a very frightening event as I’m sure anyone who has experienced it will agree. The best advice when it happens is to hold your steering wheel lightly and lift off the accelerator until your car tyres regain their grip.If you’re unlucky enough to break down in heavy rain, stay with your car but check you are not in a location that is at risk of flash flooding. Your engine may have been affected by the water and in many cases the car will restart when it has had a chance to ‘dry out’. If you have called for assistance do not prop the bonnet open until help arrives. This will cause the electrics to become rain-soaked and the car will be even harder to restart.The rain may be so heavy that you experience a flooded road. The AA provides some good advice about how to deal with this:1. Do not drive through flooded water unless you know how deep it is.2. Stay in the middle of the road. This is known as the crown of the road and should be where the flood water is shallowest.3. Drive slowly to avoid creating a bow wave, which can cause neighbouring houses to be flooded.4. Pass one vehicle at a time through flood water. Allow the oncoming traffic to pass first.5. Do not risk driving through fast moving water as your car can easily be swept away.6. Driving at speed through a flood can cause expensive damage. Even a small quantity of water sucked into the engine through the air intake will cause serious damage.7. As you drive through the flood water, keep the engine revving by slipping the clutch. This prevents water in the exhaust which may stall the engine.8. Test your brakes as soon as you leave the water.Car tyres in good condition will be able to cope with most wet driving surfaces. But with heavy rain or a sudden downpour extra care must be taken to avoid a possible accident or injury.

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2nd November 2008

Pass the DMV Road Test - Some Tips to Help You

DMV road tests normally last for about twenty minutes or so. During those twenty minutes, you’ll need to prove that you’re a good driver, and that you’re ready for your license. You may even get nervous and make a few mistakes. Yes, your examiner will be in the car with you, and he or she will be watching your every move, but it’s to ensure that you drive safely and responsibly. Once you prove that you know how to do just that, you’ll be given your drivers license!Your examiner will WANT you to pass. If you have studied, practiced, and prepared well enough, you should have nothing to worry about. From the moment you pass your written test and earn your learning permit, you need to prepare so that you’ll pass the DMV road test. You can do this by pretending that your licensed passenger is your examiner. Have him or her to watch every move you make, including your turns, stops, parallel parking, backing up, parking, etc.You also need to make sure that you understand all the laws in your state. Remember, laws vary from state to state, and in some cases, county to county. Make sure you’re well aware of: the speed limits in your area, parking laws, crosswalks, and so forth.In order to make sure that you pass the DMV road test, you should get yourself some online driver’s education as well. You can receive driving secrets and tips online that aren’t found anywhere else. Failure is horrible; therefore it’s in your best interest to pass the DMV road test. You need to practice and study. You need to have the knowledge that your examiner will have. The only way to ensure that you do is by reading the secrets and techniques online.

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