[Car Knowledge] 6 Safety Tips You Must Know When Driving in the Rain
As a longtime observer of Hong Kong's road conditions, I've come to realize that driving in Hong Kong during rainy weather is a test of both experience and vigilance ! Whether it's "yellow rain," "red rain," or "black rain," accidents skyrocket whenever the weather turns bad. Hong Kong's unique topography, urban density, numerous slopes, and sharp turns, combined with poor visibility, flooding, tire blowouts, and hydroplaning during rainy weather, increase the risk of accidents. Even a moment of complacency can lead to an accident. This time, I'll provide a step-by-step guide to Hong Kong's rainy driving safety tips , using the most detailed and down-to-earth approach possible, to help you stay safe and avoid accidents!
1. Careful inspection before departure
1. Tire condition
- Tread depth : A tread that is too shallow (less than 1.6mm) is very prone to hydroplaning (commonly known as "tire floating"). It is recommended to have a minimum of 2.5mm on rainy days.
- Tire pressure : Too low or too high can easily cause slipping, so check with a tire pressure gauge before departure.
- There are no cracks or cuts on the tread : Be more careful when the tires are aging or have been soaked in water.
2. Wiper performance
- If the wiper blades become hardened or fail to wipe the water cleanly, replace them immediately.
- Glass coating/waterproofing agent : can improve the field of vision on rainy days and effectively reduce the adhesion of water droplets.
3. Lighting and brake status
- Turn on your headlights, taillights, and turn signals to ensure clear visibility.
- Check the brake system regularly. The braking distance on rainy days is 2-3 times longer than usual.
4. Air conditioning defog function
- On rainy days, the temperature difference inside the car is large, and the windshield is prone to fogging . Ensure the air conditioning/defogger function is functioning properly.
5. Driving recorder, tire pressure detection
- Having TPMS (tire pressure monitoring) will make you feel safer, and the driving recorder can also record emergencies.
2. Driving skills and precautions in rainy days
1. Slow down and keep a distance between vehicles
- On wet roads, the braking distance should be at least doubled . It is recommended to maintain a distance of more than 3 seconds from the vehicle in front (1.5 seconds at normal times).
- Slow down when turning, crossing a pedestrian crossing, or entering or exiting a parking lot to prevent the tire from drifting.
2. Avoid sudden braking, acceleration, and sharp turns
- It is most likely to lose control when braking suddenly in wet conditions, so you should release the accelerator early and apply the brakes slowly.
- Sudden acceleration can easily cause tires to slip, especially on rear-wheel drive/high-horsepower vehicles.
3. Be careful of flooded roads
- There are many low-lying areas in Hong Kong (such as Kwun Tong, Quarry Bay, North Point and Tsuen Wan), which are prone to flooding during heavy rain.
- Never force your way into standing water . If the water is deeper than the centerline of the tire, the engine may stall at any time and be damaged.
- If you see the car in front of you making too much splash when crossing water, it is best to wait for the water to recede or change route.
4. Beware of Hydroplaning
- When the speed exceeds 50km/h and encounters water, the tires may become airborne and temporarily lose grip .
- If you feel the steering wheel is light, do not turn or brake suddenly. Instead , release the accelerator, hold the steering wheel steady with both hands, and slow down slowly .
5. Turn on your headlights to improve visibility
- Even when it rains during the day, you should turn on your headlights to increase your and others' visibility.
- Never turn on just the low beam or daytime running lights, turn on the low beam too.
- Avoid using fog lights (unless there is heavy fog or visibility is extremely low) to avoid glare.
6. Watch out for pedestrians/cyclists
- Pedestrians holding umbrellas may have their vision blocked and may suddenly cross the road.
- The weather is slippery in the rain, and bicycles and motorcycles have weak brakes, so you need to be more careful.
7. Make good use of the car's defogger equipment
- The windshield fog can be dispersed by directing cold/hot air towards the glass.
- You can wipe the inside of the glass with a slightly damp cloth, or use an anti-fog spray to help.
8. Avoid getting too close to large vehicles
- Buses and trucks create large splashes and block vision, so you should keep a proper distance.
3. Handling of Special Situations
1. Encountering a "black rain" warning or extreme weather
- Avoid going on the road if possible, saving your life is the most important thing.
- If you are already on the road, find a safe place to stop and wait as soon as possible.
2. If the engine stalls due to water damage, do not try to start it again.
- Forced restarting will cause the engine to absorb water and be damaged, resulting in extremely high repair costs.
- Notify a tow truck as soon as possible, or seek emergency roadside assistance (such as the Hong Kong Automobile Association).
3. Check after wading
- If you have passed through accumulated water, check the brakes, tires, and chassis as soon as possible for any abnormalities.
- Test the brakes to see if they are weak or "soft".
- If necessary, go to the garage to clean the chassis, check the engine oil, and see if there is water in the car.
4. Common Accidents and Prevention Tips on Rainy Days
1. Rear-end collision/failure to brake
- This is mostly due to the short distance between vehicles and insufficient reaction time; predicting the road surface and slowing down in advance is the most effective way.
2. Slippery road surface
- This usually happens within 30 minutes after a rainstorm because the dust and oil have not been washed away and the surface is the most slippery.
- Be careful of bends, zebra crossings, manhole covers, and iron plates.
3. Pedestrians/taxi/bicycles suddenly rush out
- On rainy days, pedestrians may rush and take risks when crossing the road. Slow down and look around more.
4. Tire blowout/tire damage
- Flooded roads may contain gravel and potholes, which can easily cause tire blowouts or damage. TPMS can provide early warning.
5. Editor's local experience TIPS
- Heavy rain fell on Hong Kong's parking lot. Before driving, check your tires for any scratches or foreign objects.
- It is best to allow some time before going out on rainy days and avoid rushing.
- Drive especially slowly when crossing zebra crossings, school areas, and pedestrian crossings.
- In case of extremely heavy rain or severe traffic congestion, it is safer to take the subway/bus.
- Replace the wiper blades regularly, don’t wait until they can’t wipe clean!
- When parking, avoid low-lying areas, basements, and areas near drains to reduce the risk of flooding.
- If you need to wade, use low waves and slow speed to avoid making big splashes.
6. Maintenance and inspection after rain
- Car washing : After rain, sand, mud and acid rain residue are more likely to accumulate, so you should wash your car as soon as possible to protect your paint.
- Check the chassis, tires, and brakes : Check for any abnormalities as soon as possible after wading.
- Remove moisture from the car : Avoid musty odors and mold. Turn on the air conditioner to remove moisture or use a desiccant if necessary.
Editor's summary
Rainy days in Hong Kong can be fraught with dangers. Safe driving isn't just about driving slowly; it's about comprehensive preparation and vigilance . From pre-departure inspections, road skills, emergency response, and post-rain maintenance, every step matters to the safety of you and your family. Remember: it's better to be prepared than to be disappointed. A few extra minutes of preparation on a rainy day can be worth more than a few unexpected regrets!
If you have more localized driving safety questions, please leave a message to the editor - let's travel safely together, rain or shine!
