Driving in the rain

The weather conditions in the Philippines plus the poor maintenance of our drainage systems, if there is one anyway, often result to flooding when there is a downpour.

In Cebu, we have had major flooding that past two years and many motorists, who were caught on the road, were either stuck in traffic, or worse had their cars flooded or stalled in the middle of the road.

We found some very useful tips from the Driver’s Manual of A-1 Driving School, which we’d like to share with the readers.

Light Rain

Light rain doesn’t stop motorists from going about their business on the road, but slowing down is one thing that you must do as the wet roads are slippery. They become slippery because the rain turns the dust into mud and the thin film will be quite slippery.

    The manual also suggests that you make sure you have enough water in your windshield washer and that your wipers work. Mud and grime that stick on your windshield would affect your vision.

One thing that you must always bear in mind is to be defensive as many drivers would not be as careful as you.

Heavy Rain

When you are caught in a heavy downpour, especially at night, it is advisable to pull over in someplace instead of insisting to drive on.

Of course, it is important that you make sure that wherever you pull over is safe. In our case here in the Philippines, there are many open canals, so don’t just pull over right away or you might find your vehicle and yourself in a ditch.

When you decide to pull over, switch on your vehicle’s flashers to help warn others that you are in that area.

Floods

In dealing with flooded streets, vehicles with diesel engines have the edge over gasoline engines.

Vehicles with gasoline engines stall when the ignition system gets wet. 

Those with diesel engines don’t have an ignition system and you can go as deep so long as the water level is not above the dip stick. If the water level goes above the dipstick, this could cause water to seep into crankcase and you will need to change oil.

When we see that certain areas are flooded, drivers often just wait out until the water subsides. Like what we wrote above, make sure you are someplace safe.

 Avoid stopping atop bridges as the foundation could get eroded by the flood waters.

 There are also those who try so hard to restart their stalled engines, should not force the issue even if you think your ignition system is dry enough. By trying to switch the ignition very often, you are draining the charge of your battery.

 Driving during bad weather is dangerous. If you can avoid doing so, then do so. If you get caught in the middle of the road, use your commonsense and decide whether it is wise to continue driving.

Be safe everyone!