12 Expert Tips for Driving Safely in Heavy Rain

Rainy days have their own charm, but if you're driving, they definitely come with some drawbacks. No matter if you're on your way to work, going for a trip, or just picking someone up, rain can make a short drive a dangerous one. Driving in heavy rain and making sure that you are always safe, calm, and in control, regardless of how wild the weather is, will be possible if you follow our tips for driving in heavy rain given below. Let’s Begin!

12 Tips For Driving in Heavy Rain!

Driving in heavy rain can be challenging and requires extra caution to remain safe on the road. Before driving in heavy rain, be sure to check your tyres, slow down, turn on your low beam lights, avoid sudden stops and don't use cruise control. Maintain a safe following distance from other cars, do not drive through puddles, use your defogger, and keep both hands on the wheel. Below are 12 principles given by the experts to help you stay safe while driving in heavy rain.

1. Check Your Tyres Before You Leave

Tyres are the single most important safety feature on your car. Their grip becomes even more important in wet conditions, that is because only the tyres have contact with the road.

One of the best tips for driving in rain applies before you even start your journey - a tyre check. If your tyres are old and worn, they will lose grip and your car will skid very easily. Be sure the depth of it is above 1.6 mm on a minimum average, and also check that your tyres are not under - or overinflated. It’s a no-brainer that a short check can save you from a disaster like aquaplaning, especially when rain comes suddenly and heavily.

2. Slow Down - It’s Not a Race

Reducing your vehicle’s speed is probably one of the most underrated tips for driving in heavy rain that people repeatedly hear, still, when it comes to driving in the rainy season, they often forget to follow it. This tip is very important to follow because the water on the road lessens tyre friction, making it difficult to and longer to put the brakes on your vehicle. That’s why it’s advised to drive slowly on the roads when raining, to keep a safe distance from the car in front, and not make any sudden turns with the steering wheel.

When it’s raining heavily, your car often requires more time and space to speed-stop. The higher the speed you drive, the more difficult it becomes to manage your vehicle’s brakes.

3. Use Your Headlights (But Not High Beams)

Heavy rainfall brings in low visibility every time. And while it might feel like your high beams help, they can actually do the opposite. Although you might think this high beam factor adds a benefit to you but it’s quite the opposite. 

If you are wondering on the thought how to drive safely in rain when you can barely see 10 feet ahead? That's where you are meant to use your vehicle’s headlights or fog lamps. As its high beams can reflect off the rain droplets and flash light at the road, making it easier for both you and passing by drivers to see each other. The idea is to make yourself visible and avoid the chances of getting into any accidents. 

4. Avoid Sudden Braking or Acceleration

If you’ve been carefully noting and reading our safety tips for driving in rain till now, this one is also one of those you should definitely not miss. Why? Well, as you may already know all about the smooth, gradual inputs - whether it's braking, accelerating, or steering - but keeping your car balanced and helping it maintain control, especially in slippery conditions, doesn’t always strike our minds. 

Plus, the anti-lock braking systems (ABS) obviously do help, but they’re not magic - drive gently. As is the case with any city you reside in, wet roads and casualties are just unforgiving. How? Well, it will just take a sudden brake or quick acceleration that can lead your vehicle to skid out of control. 

5. Don’t Use Cruise Control

You may think cruise control helps you relax, but in the rain, it can be risky. Cruise control works well on dry roads. But when roads are wet, it’s not safe. As there’s a high possibility, if your car slips on water (hydroplane) while cruise control is on, you might lose control before you even get the time to react. 

So, in the rain, don’t use cruise control. Keep your feet ready on the accelerator and brakes. Stay alert and be ready to stop or slow down anytime.

6. Keep a Safe Following Distance

Trying to overtake or race in the rain is like calling for trouble at home. You need space to react, especially when the visibility is poor.

Maintaining a proper following distance is a non-negotiable part of the 12 tips for driving in the rain. On dry roads, a 3-second gap is recommended. On wet roads? Make that 5 or even 6 seconds. That extra time can be the difference between a near-miss and an accident.

7. Stay Away from Large Puddles and Waterlogged Roads

You don’t know what’s under the water. There could be deep holes, loose stones, something sharp or even an open drain pipe.

For anyone driving a car in rainy season, driving through water can cause damage to you and your car. Water can enter the engine, stop the brakes from working, or make the car stop in the middle of the road. And problems like waterlogging can come in time. 

8. Stay Updated with Weather and Traffic Alerts

Rainfall and storms can cause more than just flying away of your clothes or hefty city traffic. There are chances that some roads may be blocked, slow, or full of water. The rain can make it hard to drive safely.

Before starting your trip, always check the weather news and traffic updates on your phone, app, or radio. It helps you plan your trip better and avoid bad roads. If the weather looks very bad or the roads are blocked, wait for some time. Leaving later is safer than getting stuck in the rain. This small step can help you on the road safety during rain. 

9. Turn On the Defogger and Wipers Early

Whenever it rains, the moisture and humidity turn your car’s windows and mirrors foggy. Making it extremely hard to see the road, other cars, or even the signs and signal boards. That’s why it’s a must to turn on the wipers before the rain gets heavy. 

But, making sure they are not broken or leaving lines on the glass, which can cause you difficulty in seeing the road. If they are not cleaning properly, get them repaired or replace them with new ones. Also, use the defogger to clear fog from inside the car. If you wear glasses, keep a cloth to clean them. Don’t wait for the hour until you can’t or barely see anything on the glass. Act early, keep yourself and others safe.

10. Keep Both Hands on the Wheel at All Times

Rainy roads might seem easy and simple, but they aren’t easy at all. There can put you in a high probability where there are chances if you don’t drive carefully or try some stuntman actions, your car may slip, or wind and water can make it hard to control. So, you must be mentally and physically ready to act and react fast.

You can start by always holding the steering wheel with both hands, whether how good a driver you are. Doing this, you can give a better grip, balance, and quicker control for all situations if something goes wrong. Remain careful because even small things like strong wind, water splashes, or sharp turns can become dangerous if you are not holding the wheel properly. Keep both hands on it always—it’s a simple and powerful tool that can save lives and contribute your skills on how to drive safely in rain. Isn’t it?.

11. Be Extra Cautious at Night

Nighttime + rain = double trouble. Reduced visibility, increased glare, and sleepier drivers.

Make sure all your lights are functional before heading out. Reduce speed even further, and avoid overtaking. Trust your instincts—if it feels unsafe, pull over in a safe area until visibility improves.

12. Be Prepared - Always Carry Essentials

A flashlight, raincoat, phone charger, power bank, and emergency numbers can be lifesavers.

We often forget how long a small breakdown can become during rain. Keeping a compact emergency kit is a smart and responsible way to be ready for the unexpected. It’s the final but essential entry in our 12 tips for driving in the rain list.

How MyRaasta Makes Rainy-Day Driving Safer

Talking about these situations may scare you all scary, thinking of the expense and all struck up! But what if we say what you just need is - MyRaasta services! Yes, you heard that right and there.  Be what the situation or you being stuck with worn-out tyres, faulty wipers, or brakes that need a checkup, with MyRaasta, we've got your back totally, for making sure your car is road-ready to shine.

With doorstep services and COCO garages in multiple cities, MyRaasta helps you maintain your vehicle not just with genuine summer car maintenance tips but also with proper OEM parts, quick diagnostics, and real-time app tracking. Their vehicle health checks, especially before and during monsoon season, can save you from unexpected issues mid-journey. Book your rainy-season maintenance directly via the MyRaasta app or website—because your safety matters, what matters to us the most!

FAQ's

Q1: Should I avoid driving in heavy rain?

If it’s raining harshly and visibility is near zero, yes, avoid driving. Otherwise, if necessary, follow all safety measures discussed in the blog.

Q2: Is it safe to use hazard lights while driving in the rain?

No. One should use hazard lights only when the vehicle is parked or in a parking lot. For driving, use low beams and fog lights as needed.

Q3: How can I check if my wipers need replacement?

If they leave streaks, scratches, squeak, or fail to clear the glass properly, it’s time you give them a check and, if needed, replace them with new ones.

Q4: What services does MyRaasta offer in the rainy season?

Tyre checks, wiper replacement, brake inspection, AC/defogger maintenance, and doorstep service across cities—that can be easily booked via app or website.