Posted on August 20, 2008 by Fiona Hilliard

Argus Car Hire can’t do much about the changeable weather this summer but we can offer you some tips on how to drive your rental car safely in wet weather conditions. 

• Storms can rapidly reduce visibility and create difficult driving conditions.  When driving in wet conditions, motorists should always slow down and increase the distance between vehicles to compensate for poorer visibility and reduced tyre traction.
• Renters should regularly clean their windscreen and windows on both the inside and the outside.  If smoking is legal where you’re driving, drivers who smoke in their cars should take extra care and check that their inside windows are free from a build up of smoky condensation. 
• Drivers should also regularly check that headlights, tail lights, brake lights and indicators are working properly.
• As soon as the first drops of rain begin to fall, car hire drivers should turn on headlights and windscreen wipers.

  Many countries around the world and states within the US require headlights to be turned on when it is raining or if visibility is considerably reduced.  US car hire drivers should familiarise themselves with local laws before attempting to hit the road.

• If visibility is so compromised that the edges of the road or other vehicles cannot be seen at a safe distance, it is time to pull over and wait for the rain to ease up.  It is best to stop at a rest area or other designated areas, but if you have no other option than roadside, make sure you park  past the end of the guard rail if this is at all possible.  Keep your headlights on and turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
• In stormy conditions, it can be difficult to see other vehicles, road signs and the road itself.  It is imperative that drivers slow down and make sure that they can see and can be seen.