Emergency braking on wet roads can cause skidding
International driving safety surveys show that the rate of traffic accidents on rainy days is about five times higher than usual. For novice drivers, extra vigilance is essential when driving in the rain. First and foremost, pay attention to your speed. Due to slippery roads, tire traction decreases significantly, making emergency braking likely to result in skidding. When driving in the rain, start by reducing your speed and maintaining a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. When encountering standing water on the road, reduce your speed to 20–30 km/h. Lowering speed should primarily be done through throttle control and light braking—emergency braking must be used with extreme caution. Additionally, ensure your air conditioning system is functioning properly in wet conditions, as rain often causes window fogging, and using the AC is the most effective way to quickly clear it.
If water droplets accumulate on the left and right windows, adjust the windows up or down to reduce buildup and improve visibility in the side mirrors. If the rain is very heavy, it is advised that novice drivers avoid taking to the roads and instead park safely on the shoulder with hazard lights on. In cases of heavy rain or fog, turn on fog lights. If visibility is severely reduced due to thick fog or heavy rain, hazard lights should also be activated.
Avoid coasting in neutral on long downhill stretches
When driving to mountainous areas, you often encounter long downhill roads, with some mountain routes involving continuous descents lasting several hours. It’s common to see large trucks parked midway down the slope to cool their braking systems. This highlights the significant strain prolonged downhill driving places on brakes. To control speed under such conditions, rely mainly on engine braking with foot braking as a supplement—never coast in neutral gear (and note that pressing the clutch all the way down in a manual transmission is equivalent to neutral). Adjust your speed to a manageable level based on the slope and curves, selecting an appropriate gear. Generally speaking, the steeper the slope, the lower the gear you should use to maximize engine resistance. Once the road becomes clearer and visibility improves, you may slightly increase your speed—but continue to prioritize engine-based speed control. Only use the brakes for auxiliary deceleration when rapid slowing is necessary. On long downhill stretches, also watch out for oncoming uphill vehicles, stay as far to the right as possible, and honk your horn when approaching sharp turns with limited visibility to alert others.
Bumpy roads pose a serious challenge to both tires and brakes. Tires subjected to prolonged jolts on uneven surfaces face an increased risk of blowouts. Moreover, when driving too fast, drivers may unconsciously brake more frequently to maintain ride comfort, which can be highly damaging to the braking system. To minimize harm to your vehicle's components, select an appropriate gear and maintain controlled speeds on rough roads.