Survival skills: Wet weather driving

The New Zealand Transport Authority advises doubling the two-second rule in wet weather. Photo / File.

Travelling along wet roads and in poor conditions during winter means using different driving skills than in summer. One of the most important things to remember is to keep some distance between you and the vehicles around you.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) suggests you drive more slowly than you normally would - it only takes a split second to lose control in wet or icy conditions.

The NZTA says you should avoid sudden braking or turning movements that could cause you to skid. Accelerate smoothly and brake gently, and use a higher gear when travelling uphill and a lower gear downhill.

For vehicles without anti-skid braking systems (ABS), pump the brake pedal in short rapid bursts rather than pressing long and hard to avoid skidding or sliding. Drive at a safe travelling distance because it takes longer to stop on slippery roads.

In winter, especially in poor weather, double the two-second rule. When travelling in fog, rain or snow, drive with your lights dipped for increased safety.

Research indicates if everyone had their headlights on in daylight, daytime frontal crashes would reduce by 50 per cent and there would be a 15 per cent reduction in pedestrian injuries.

A situation goes from bad to worse in much less time when the roads are slick with water. Some restraint on the throttle will give you more time to react.

In winter, the chances of you aquaplaning - your vehicle losing control while going through water - increases tremendously. If this happens, do not panic and keep your driving movements calm and smooth. If you hit water, allow the vehicle to slow down naturally and don't slam on the brakes.

Keep the car in a straight line - look to where you want to go - and ease your foot slowly off the accelerator until the throttle is just slightly open.

The finishing touch

Slush on the road and dirty water splashing up on the car means your vehicle is bound to need cleaning more in winter.

It pays to wash your car at least once a month. Things like bugs, bird's dropping, or limestone dripping damage the paint leaving permanent stains if not washed off in time.

When the car is clean, moisture dries quickly, but when it's dirty moisture accumulates in dirty areas causing corrosion.

It pays to wax your car after washing it as wax forms a thin transparent layer over the car paint surface. It covers minor scratches, stone chips and other damages, making them less visible. The wax also "seals" the paint, preventing water from contacting the bare metal exposed in deep scuffs, chips and scratches, slowing down the corrosion process. Most wax products last three to four months and the main tip for applying the products is a little at a time.

Regularly clean leaves and other debris from areas below the windshield and water channels under the bonnet and boot, as the leaves block the water drains and collect the moisture, speeding up the corrosion process and causing a damp smell inside your car.