5 common problems when driving in the rain
Not only does it directly affect and damage some parts and components of the vehicle, erratic rainy weather also causes drivers to have reduced visibility, making it difficult to observe, or easily lose control due to slipping when driving in the rain.
After days of scorching heat, the weather in some cities and provinces across the country is gradually turning rainy. For car users, although it is said that "the rain does not reach the face, the sun does not reach the head", the first heavy rains of the season with thunder and strong winds in some localities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Khanh Hoa... have occurred in recent days, making driving in the rain quite difficult.
Heavy rain not only reduces visibility, making it difficult to observe, but also makes it easy for drivers to lose control when driving through flooded, slippery areas. In addition, many parts of the car are also susceptible to problems and damage when the rainy season comes.
Below are 5 common problems drivers encounter when driving in the rain:
1. The windows are fogged up.
The phenomenon of fogging up the windshield and side windows of the car comes from the temperature difference between the outside and inside the cabin. In Vietnam, drivers often encounter this phenomenon when driving in the rain or passing through cold weather areas with high humidity... The outside temperature is lower than the temperature in the interior compartment, along with the operation of the air conditioning system, the heat emitted from the people sitting in the car causes condensation to appear on the glass surface. This obstructs the driver's vision, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
To overcome this situation, you should activate the glass drying function through the button usually integrated on the center console, or turn on the air conditioning system, gradually adjust the temperature and air vent direction to reduce the difference with the outside environment.
2. Side mirrors are blurred and difficult to see
Not only does the car's windows blur, when driving in the rain, the rain also makes the drivers feel that the side mirrors are blurred and difficult to observe. Especially when driving at night, the light combined with the rain on the rearview mirror also obstructs the driver's vision. To handle this situation, drivers can add a rearview mirror rain cover to the car or use anti-fog stickers on the side windows and rearview mirrors.
3. The wiper blades are worn out, leaving water stains on the windshield.
Windshield and rear window wipers are important details that help drivers ensure visibility when driving in rainy conditions. After a period of use, the rubber wiper blades often wear out and degrade, leading to poor wiping and even leaving water stains on the windshield.
In addition, the wiper drive control system will also be susceptible to damage over time. Therefore, car users should pay attention to checking this detail. You should test the wipers, if you find that the wiper blades still leave small water stains on the windshield, you should check the quality of the wiper blades. If this part is too worn, or the rubber layer is hardened... it should be replaced. In addition, you should check the windshield washer fluid reservoir, if the water level is too low, you should add more.
4. Poor braking system
Besides the wipers, the brake system is very important to the car but it is also prone to problems, damage and even unpleasant sounds. When using a car in the rain, on wet roads, the brake system can become less sensitive. Water entering between the brake pads and discs can cause unpleasant sounds when the driver steps on the brake, even interrupting the contact between the two parts. To avoid this situation, drivers should carry out regular maintenance to check the condition of the brake fluid and replace it, especially for cars that have been used for more than 40,000 km.
Additionally, worn tires can reduce traction, making it difficult to stop at high speeds. Tires have a tread wear indicator (TWI) symbol that helps drivers measure the allowable wear limit. If the tire tread has reached the TWI triangle, you should replace the tire.
5. Car hydroplaning
"Hydroplaning" is one of the common phenomena that cars encounter when it rains. Americans call this "Hydroplaning" while in Europe or Japan it is called "Aquaplaning" - gliding on the water surface. However, no matter what it is called, hydroplaning is a phenomenon that occurs when the wheels cannot safely contact the road surface because of insufficient friction.
When it rains, wet roads cause poor drainage of water from the tires, causing a loss of traction and instability. This is because the water is thick and the vehicle is moving at high speeds, making it difficult for the tire grooves to drain water effectively. To avoid hydroplaning, reduce your speed when driving in the rain or through puddles. Also, check to make sure the tires are not worn, as this can prevent the tires from draining water and making it difficult to brake, leading to loss of control.