Startin Guide for Driving in Wet Conditions

Your tyres are the only point of contact between your car and the road. Ensure they have adequate tread depth (at least 1.6mm by law, but we recommend 3mm for better grip). Regularly check for signs of wear and ensure they’re properly inflated. If you're unsure, drop by one of our dealerships for a quick tyre check.

Wet roads reduce your car's grip, increasing stopping distances. Reduce your speed and keep a larger gap between you and the vehicle ahead – at least twice as much as in dry conditions. This precaution gives you more time to react and reduces the risk of skidding.

Rain can significantly reduce visibility, so always ensure your headlights are on in wet weather to make your car more visible to others. Avoid using high beams, as they can reflect off rain and worsen visibility for you and others on the road.

Cruise control is a great convenience on dry roads, but it can be risky in wet weather. Using it on slippery surfaces increases the chance of losing control if your car hydroplanes. Stay in full control by managing the speed manually.

Driving through standing water at speed can lead to aquaplaning, where your tyres lose contact with the road, making it impossible to steer or brake. If this happens, ease off the accelerator and let the car slow down naturally. Avoid sudden braking or steering.

Check the weather forecast and plan your route to avoid areas prone to flooding. If heavy rain is expected in Worcester, Warwick, or Redditch, allow extra time for your journey and stick to main roads, which are more likely to be well-drained.

Ensure your windscreen wipers are functioning well and replace them if they leave streaks or don’t clear water effectively. Check your vehicle’s brakes, lights, and washer fluid regularly to be prepared for wet conditions. Our service teams at Startin Group can help keep your vehicle road-ready year-round.