MOTORISTS ADVISED HOW TO AVOID AQUAPLANING IN WET WEATHER
With persistent heavy rain and flood warnings affecting much of the UK, drivers are being urged to exercise extra caution on waterlogged roads to avoid skidding or aquaplaning.
Research from Halfords Autocentres shows that losing control of their vehicle on surface water or ice is what the majority of motorists fear most about driving during the winter – with 51% naming it their number one concern, compared to the next biggest ‘getting stuck in snow’ with 24%.
Halfords Autocentres’ Rory Carlin said: “In response to the wet weather and concerns expressed by motorists, we are sharing some simple advice to help motorists guard against aquaplaning.
“Aquaplaning occurs when water accumulates between a car’s tyre and the surface of the road, causing it to lose grip. Since prevention is better than cure, drivers should take the following steps to minimise their chances of aquaplaning and being involved in a collision.”
- Monitor tyre tread depth - which helps expel water from beneath the wheel and consider replacing tyres when they have 3mm of tread – which can decrease your stopping distance by an extra 8 metres in wet conditions compared to the legal minimum of 1.6mm.
- Slow down - drive in line with the road conditions by lowering your speed and allowing greater distance between you and the car in front should you need to stop.
- Use smooth inputs - be extra cautious through bends in the road, steer smoothly and avoid sudden changes in direction as well as speed.
- Follow in their tracks – if possible try to drive in the tyre tracks left by the car in front, where water has already been removed from the road surface and there is more grip, remembering not to get too close.
- Heed the signs - pay attention to road signs and heed any warnings. Also think about your surroundings - if driving downhill for example there is an increased risk that pools of water will have formed at the bottom.
Rory Carlin added: “Whether you drive a Ford or a Ferrari, the only thing keeping you in contact with the road is your tyres, so they are your first line of defence in the wet.
“If you are about to aquaplane your steering will feel light due to the low friction – resulting in reduced steering control and increased stopping distance.”
If despite your best efforts you do aquaplane:
- Stay calm - remember that it is not the initial stages of an incident that will cause or prevent a loss of control but what you do in response.
- Reduce your speed - take your foot off the accelerator and continue to steer your car smoothly in the direction of travel. Do this until you feel your tyres gain grip again.
- Brake gradually - if you need to brake to reduce speed further, do so in gentle pumps to avoid locking the wheels and inducing a skid (unless your car has anti-lock brakes, which will do this for you). Do NOT brake suddenly as this will make the situation worse.
To assist drivers during the winter Halfords Autocentres has worked with former SAS Sergeant Major and author of the SAS Survival Handbook, John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman to create a Winter Survival Guide for motorists.
The Winter Survival Guide is free to download and contains 15 different chapters tackling scenarios involving rain, ice and snow as well as good general advice on subjects such as first aid.
To read the Winter Survival Guide or download a free copy visit: Halfords.com. To watch the accompanying films in Halfords Autocentre Survival Series visit the Halfords YouTube Channel.
ENDS
Media contact:
Stuart Humphreys, Automotive PR Manager
T: 01527 513419
E: stuart.humphreys@halfords.co.uk
James Dale, PR Coordinator
T: 01527 513315
Notes to Editors
Drivers behaving badly survey: Conducted among 2000 UK drivers during October 2013.
About Halfords Autocentres
Halfords Autocentres is a leading independent MOT, car service, repair and tyre garage network. We employ highly trained ATA accredited technicians and use the latest in vehicle diagnostic equipment in over 295 sites – which is expanding monthly - to deliver dealership quality work at affordable prices.
Being independent experts means that we are able to service, repair and maintain any make or model of car in line with the manufacturer’s standards, whilst offering a local price match promise and peace of mind in the form of a minimum guarantee of 12 months or 12,000 miles on work carried out. (See website for terms and conditions)
The Halfords Autocentres name may be a recent addition to the Halfords Group, but our heritage spans more than three decades and we serve over 750,000 customers every year - with over 8 out of 10 of them being happy to recommend us to their friends.
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