How to drive in heavy rain or floods

The weather doesn’t have to derail your journey – here’s how to stay safe when the heavens open

Let’s face it: the United Kingdom has some pretty unpredictable weather.

One minute you’re digging out your sunglasses and squinting into the sun, the next you’re caught in what feels like a monsoon with your windscreen wipers working overtime.

And while complaining about the weather is a national pastime, we still need to get from A to B safely, come rain or shine.

Whether you’re navigating your daily commute or planning a longer journey, driving in heavy rain doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation and know-how, you can tackle wet weather conditions like a pro.

Plan ahead: Time and timing are everything

Heavy rain turns even the most straightforward journey into a ‘slow and steady wins the race’ situation. If possible, check the weather forecast before you set off, and plan your route accordingly.

Give yourself extra time.

Seriously – add at least 15-20 minutes to your usual journey time.

You’ll thank yourself later when you arrive stress-free instead of white knuckling it through standing water.

And consider rescheduling if conditions are severe.

We know this isn’t always possible (especially if you’re commuting to work), but if weather warnings are in place or flooding is forecast, it might be worth waiting it out if you can.

Pre-journey checks: Your car’s rainy-day essentials

Check your windscreen wipers

Your wipers are about to become your best friends, so make sure they’re up for the challenge.

Give them a quick once-over before you set off. You’ll want to look for:

• Cracked or worn rubber strips
• Any bits that might catch or make that soul-destroying squeaking noise
• Whether they’re clearing your windscreen properly

Nothing ruins a rainy drive quite like wipers that screech every four seconds, or leave streaky trails across your view.

Fuel up first

Breaking down in torrential rain isn’t just inconvenient – it’s miserable.

Make sure you’ve got plenty of fuel before you head out, because:

• Traffic moves slower in bad weather, meaning you’ll spend more time (and fuel) on the road
• Your car works harder in wet conditions, with headlights, heaters, and wipers all running
• Getting out at the petrol station becomes less appealing when you’re already soaked

Fill up beforehand rather than scrambling for a petrol station mid-journey.

Test your lights

According to the Highway Code, you should switch on your headlights when visibility is seriously reduced.

‘Seriously reduced’ is when you can’t see more than 100 metres in front of you (about the length of a football pitch).

Your headlights help other drivers to see you too, they’re not just for your benefit. Make sure they’re working properly before you set off, so that you can both see and be seen.

Fog lights are your secret weapon in really poor conditions, but remember to turn them off once visibility improves.

No-one wants to be that driver who blinds everyone else because they forgot to turn them off.

Mastering wet weather driving

Give yourself space

When it’s wet, your stopping distance can double.

That means you’ll need to leave at least twice your usual following distance between you and the car in front.

This isn’t just good practice, it’s potentially lifesaving.

Wet roads offer much less grip, so even the gentlest braking takes longer to be effective.

Be patient with other drivers who are taking their time too. We’re all trying to get home safely, and rushing in these conditions helps nobody.

Navigate standing water carefully

We get it – there’s something deeply satisfying about splashing through a big puddle.

But driving through standing water can cause serious damage to your car, especially if:

• The water is moving or deeper than 10cm
• You’re unfamiliar with the road (potholes love hiding underwater)
• You can’t tell how deep it actually is

If you absolutely have to drive through standing water:

• Use second gear max, and keep your revs high for consistent movement
• Go slowly and steadily to prevent water getting into your exhaust
• Wait for the car ahead to clear the water completely before you follow
• Test your brakes gently once you’re through

This avoids creating waves that could flood other cars or turn a puddle into a car graveyard.

Handle aquaplaning like a pro

Aquaplaning happens when water gets between your tyres and the road, essentially turning your car into a very expensive sledge.

Here’s what to do if it happens:

• Stay calm: Your steering will feel oddly light, like your car’s floating
• Don’t brake hard or accelerate: This won’t help and could make things worse
• Gently ease off the accelerator: Let your car slow down naturally
• Keep your steering steady: Don’t try and adjust until you regain grip with the road

It’s unnerving the first time it happens, but most aquaplaning incidents resolve themselves quickly, as long as if you don’t panic.

Tyre maintenance

The legal minimum tyre tread depth is 1.6mm, but safety experts recommend at least 2.5mm for wet and wintery conditions.

It’s worth checking your tyres regularly – they’re quite literally the only thing connecting your car to the road.

Signs your tyres need attention:

• Visible wear indicators showing through the tread
• Uneven wear patterns
• Cuts, bulges, or embedded objects

Better tyres mean better grip, which means less chance of aquaplaning, and shorter stopping distances.

If things go wrong: Breakdown basics

Rainy days and breakdowns go hand in hand – just ask the RAC or the AA for their statistics on wet weather callouts.

If you break down in the rain:

• Keep your bonnet closed (or don’t leave it open for long) to protect your car’s electrical components from getting drenched
• Turn on your hazard lights to make yourself visible
• If it’s safe to do so, get yourself and any passengers out of the vehicle and away from traffic
• Call for help and wait somewhere safe

Your car’s electronics don’t appreciate a soaking any more than you do, so it’s worth keeping an emergency rain coat or poncho (or several) in the boot, in case you get caught short.

Drive with consideration

Wet weather brings out the best and worst in drivers.

Traffic moves slower, visibility is reduced, and everyone’s stress levels tend to rise.

Be the considerate driver you’d want to encounter:

• Don’t tailgate – give everyone the space they need
• Use your indicators clearly and in good time
• Avoid sudden movements that could cause you to lose control
• Be patient with learners or nervous drivers who are taking extra care, and might need a little extra time

At the end of the day, we’re all just trying to get where we need to go, and in bad weather it’s worth taking a little extra time to stay safe.

The bottom line

Driving in heavy rain doesn’t have to be an anxiety-inducing experience.

With proper preparation, the right mindset, and a healthy respect for the conditions, you can navigate wet weather safely and confidently.

Key takeaways:

• Plan extra time and check your route
• Ensure your wipers, lights, and tyres are road-ready
• Double your following distance and reduce your speed
• Avoid standing water where possible
• Stay calm if you aquaplaning
• Be considerate of other road users

The British weather might be unpredictable, but your response to it doesn’t have to be.

Drive safely, arrive relaxed, and save the complaining about the weather for when you’re safely indoors with a cup of tea and the heating on.