Car expert reveals life-saving tips for driving in Storm Ciaran that every motorist should know
STORM Ciaran is set to hit the UK on Wednesday night with major impact to be felt on Thursday.
Amber weather warnings – signifying a possible danger to life – have been issued by the Met Office with the south west and south east of England and parts of Wales preparing for the storm’s arrival.
Motorists will be among the worst affected as downpours and high winds can cause issues for road users.
The Met Office has reported that rainfall of between 75 and 100mm is expected this week.
Drivers are advised to check the weather forecast and road conditions before travelling, and to always be prepared.
Thankfully, experts at BigWantsYourCar.com have revealed their top tips for staying safe in the potentially precarious conditions, with the golden rule being to always ask yourself if a trip is necessary.
The experts said: “You should also consider keeping an emergency kit in your car when going out in a storm.
“Items like blankets, flashlights, non-perishable food and a first-aid kit can be a lifesaver if you end up stuck somewhere.”
While on the roads, it’s important to be ready for changing conditions.
If the storm worsens while you’re travelling, it’s important to find a safe place to pull over and wait out the worst of it until it passes.
The experts added: “It is always better to be safe than sorry when driving in a storm.
“Your safety and that of other drivers is worth more than any appointment or deadline.”
With the likelihood of there being reduced visibility and slippery road surfaces, it’s important to make sure drivers slow down and remain patient.
It’s also advised by experts to leave plenty of extra space between others cars in front as this can help with reaction timing.
Perhaps the most important tip for driving in storm weather is making sure tyres are properly maintained
Peter Waddell, a car expert and the CEO of BigWantsYourCar, said: “Properly maintained tyres are your best friends when it comes to driving in a storm.
“Check your tyre tread and pressure regularly, and make sure they’re in top condition. This will give you the traction you need to drive through slippery roads safely.
“For a quick test of your tyre depth, get a 20p coin and place it in the main tread grooves of your tyre.
“If the tyre covers most of that outer edge of the coin, then it is above the legal depth limit.
“If the outer edge is mostly visible, then your tyres don’t have enough tread depth and will need replacing as soon as possible.
“We’d also recommend you don’t go out on the road with tyres in poor condition during wet conditions, as they won’t be able to displace water enough, resulting in ‘aquaplaning’ and a loss of control over your car.”