Many people think Malaysia is a hot, tropical country, but don’t let that fool you because we have four seasons too! Those are the monsoon, haze, dengue, and durian seasons.
Throughout the year and towards the end when the monsoon season occurs, Malaysia experiences rainy weather that goes from drizzles to full-out lightning and thunder.
When the weather gets cold, wet, and gloomy, navigating the roads in your car may be risky due to slippery roads and poor vision caused by the rain. Before you start the ignition, check out these tips to travel safely while navigating the rain, and maybe pick up some car accessories for sale to get your car ready.
Tips To Drive Safely When It’s Raining
1. Ensure your tyres are in good condition
The tyre treads should not be smooth or worn, but in good condition for a decent grip on slippery roads. Good tyre treads also help prevent aquaplaning or hydroplaning by dispersing the water while you drive.
2. Check your windshield wipers
Your windshield wipers are bound to work overtime during rainy seasons, so ensure the wiper blades clear the water off your windows smoothly and clearly. Check that the wiper speeds also work perfectly, from slow to fast speeds to cater to light showers and downpours.
3. Switch on your headlights
Visibility in the rain can be difficult, so switching your headlights on helps other cars see you. However, one thing you should not do is use your hazard lights. Flashing hazard lights in the rain may confuse other drivers if the vehicle is stationary or moving and could result in an accident.
4. Avoid the most-right lane
The most-right lane is known as the speeding or overtaking lane. As cars move faster on this lane, standing water gets kicked up higher and more often, especially from the opposite direction. The sudden blast of water can be distracting and cause them to lose control of their car momentarily.
5. Beware of potholes
Air yang tenang, jangan disangka tiada buaya. Likewise, built-up water in potholes can hide its depth and danger. Driving into one could damage your car, and the area around the pothole may be prone to further damage and possibly widen into a sinkhole. Where possible, avoid potholes as much as you can!
6. Maintain a safe distance and drive at a slow speed
Wet and slippery roads reduce the traction between your car tyres and the surface. This makes cars prone to skidding or veering off course, so keep a safe distance between you and the front vehicle and drive at a slow, safe speed. Avoid hitting the brakes abruptly to prevent skidding or spinning.
7. Drive on the tracks of the car in front
If you’re not the only driver on a rainy road, a helpful tip is to drive on the tracks of the car in front of you (but remember to keep a safe distance!). As the front vehicle has already displaced any standing water, following their tracks makes it easier to get traction with the road surface.
8. Look out for heavy or large vehicles
Lorries, trucks, and other tall and heavy vehicles are more susceptible to high winds because of their sheer size. They may experience some difficulty staying in their lane. Hence, don’t follow too closely and keep a safe distance to reduce the chances of collisions.
9. Plan your journey
When it rains, cars will inevitably slow down, and traffic builds up. If you need to be somewhere at a specific time, plan your journey to give yourself enough time to reach your destination. Navigational apps like Google Maps and Waze allow users to select their ideal time to arrive at a location, and the app will suggest the best time to depart.
10. Follow reliable sources for weather and traffic updates
For weather information in Malaysia, head to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, and refer to Google Maps, Waze, or online news portals for the latest and timely traffic updates. Getting real-time news of the area around you can help identify if there are any flash floods, road obstructions, or congestion that will delay your journey.
11. Seek shelter if the rain is too heavy
If you’re experiencing difficulties driving, head to the nearest covered shelter to park your car and wait out the storm until you’re ready to continue. Be aware not to park near or under trees, lamp posts, and hilly areas, as the rainy weather could cause them to fall or break.
Be A Courteous And Vigilant Driver
When it rains, it pours. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be the sunshine in someone’s day to give a little way, drive at a safe distance behind them, and ensure the road is safe for everyone. Your destination can wait, but you only have one life, so drive with care and be a courteous driver!