It is a familiar sight for anyone living in Surrey or Sussex this January: a horizon dominated by heavy grey clouds and a constant, rhythmic beat of rain against the window. While we are all used to safe driving in a bit of drizzle, the recent downpours brought by Storm Chandra have turned our local lanes and A-roads into something much more challenging.
At CCM Garages, we see ourselves as more than just a place to fix cars; we are part of the community. When the weather turns, our focus shifts to helping you navigate these “washouts” safely. Driving in heavy rain isn’t just about being careful—it’s about understanding how your car interacts with a wet road.
The Science of the "Skate"
There is a specific, unsettling feeling when your steering wheel suddenly feels light and disconnected. This is aquaplaning. It happens when a layer of water builds up between your tyre and the road, causing the car to “skate” on top of the puddle rather than gripping the tarmac.
If this happens to you, the best thing to do is remain calm. Ease your foot off the accelerator and keep your wheels pointed straight. Avoid the temptation to slam on the brakes; as the car slows down, the weight of the vehicle will push the water aside, and you will feel the tyres “bite” the road again.
Your Tyres | The Unsung Heroes
In weather like this, your tyres are essentially high-powered pumps. Their job is to push litres of water out of the way every second so you can stay in control. However, they can only do this if they have enough tread depth.
A simple way to check this at home is the 20p test. Place a 20p coin into the main grooves of your tyre. If you can see the outer rim of the coin, your tread is likely too low to handle heavy rain safely. While the legal limit is 1.6mm, we strongly recommend at least 3mm for the winter months to give you that extra margin of safety.
Visibility is Your First Line of Defence
If you can’t see the road clearly, you can’t react to it. In heavy rain, your wiper blades are your best friends. If they are leaving streaks or making a “juddering” sound, they are struggling to clear the water and should be replaced.
Similarly, don’t forget to “See and Be Seen.” Modern “Auto” lights are great, but they don’t always turn on during a grey, rainy day. Manually switching your headlights to the “on” position ensures your rear tail lights are lit up, making you much easier to spot through the thick road spray for drivers behind you.
Expert Advice for Extreme Conditions
When the weather moves from “bad” to “stormy,” it pays to listen to the experts. The Met Office provides an excellent guide on travelling in storms, rain, and wind. Their advice—such as never driving through floodwater and doubling your following distance—is essential reading for anyone heading out on the A23 or A24 today.
We’re Here to Help
Whether you are in Cranleigh, Ewhurst, or Gatwick, our doors are open. You don’t need a major fault to pop in; if you are worried about your tyres, or your wipers just aren’t cutting it, let us take a look. A quick check today can prevent a very stressful moment on the road tomorrow.
Stay safe, take it slow, and let’s get through the winter washout together.
