In Adana, rain often comes not long and gentle but sudden and heavy. After a long scorching day, the downpour that breaks turns the oil, dust and tyre residue accumulated on the asphalt into a slippery film in an instant. The first fifteen to twenty minutes are for this reason the most dangerous period. In this article we address the four basic safety pillars of driving in the rain, namely the brakes, wipers, lights and tyres, and explain practical measures on both the maintenance and the driving side.
On dry days a thin layer from engine oil, fuel and tyre wear accumulates on the asphalt. When the first drops of rain spread this layer over the surface without dissolving it, the road becomes almost soapy. That is why road holding at the start of a downpour is far lower than after the rain has fallen for a while and washed this layer away. This effect is especially pronounced in Adana's late-summer and autumn downpours. The simplest precaution is to reduce speed and increase the following distance as soon as the rain starts.
On a wet surface the braking distance lengthens noticeably compared with a dry surface. Because friction is reduced, it takes longer for the vehicle to stop. This makes sound brakes even more critical. Two things matter for safe braking in the wet:
If you have doubts about brake performance, having a brake check within our Adana auto service before the rainy season is the best preparation.
Half of safety in the rain is visibility. A hardened, cracked or streaking wiper blade leaves a film of water on the glass and seriously spoils the view. Adana's blazing sun ages wiper blades faster than expected; they also wear from rubbing dry on the glass in summer. That is why wipers are consumable parts that should be checked seasonally.
In rainy weather humidity is high, and the humid air inside the car mists up when it touches the cold glass. The air conditioning's drying effect clears this mist quickly. Air conditioning is not only for cooling but also serves to remove humidity; that is why using the air conditioning in rainy weather clears the view. If you are not satisfied with air-conditioning performance, an air conditioning and auto electrics check improves both comfort and safety.
In the rain the visibility distance falls and the vehicle becomes harder for drivers behind to notice. That is why turning on the dipped headlights in the rain is necessary not only to see the road but to be visible. Dulled, yellowed headlight lenses scatter the light and reduce range; the rear fog light makes it easier for those behind to notice you in a heavy downpour, but it should be turned off when visibility is clear, otherwise it dazzles those behind. Making sure the brake and indicator lights work is of vital importance on a wet, dark road.
All these measures fall short if the tyres cannot drain the water. A tyre with reduced tread depth can slide on water on a wet surface (aquaplaning) and cause a sudden loss of steering and braking control. This risk increases at high speed and in deep water. Correct tyre pressure is as important as tread for draining the water. Before entering the rainy season, the tyre tread, pressure and age should be checked. You can find details on this in our tyre care article; for general planning you can look at our service guide.
Rain safety depends not on a single part but on the brake-wiper-light-tyre whole. To enter Adana's sudden downpours prepared, having these four items on your vehicle checked together is the smartest route. You can reach our service in Seyhan for an appointment.
The oil, fuel and tyre residue accumulated on the asphalt on dry days is dissolved by the first drops and spread over the surface, making the road soapy. Grip is very low until the rain has fallen for a while and washed this layer away. This effect is pronounced in Adana's sudden downpours.
Because friction is reduced, the braking distance lengthens noticeably compared with a dry surface, up to roughly double depending on conditions. That is why you should brake early and gently and increase the following distance.
The air conditioning removes humidity from the air; it quickly clears the mist that forms when humid interior air touches the cold glass. So in rainy weather the air conditioning provides not just comfort but visibility safety.
If the wiper skips, squeaks or leaves streaks on the glass while sweeping, it should be replaced. Because Adana's sun wears the blades quickly, a seasonal check of the wipers is sensible.
Temel Servis is at Fevzipasa Mah. 48057. Sk. No:16/A, Seyhan/Adana. You can arrange an appointment for a brake, wiper, light and tyre check by calling 0533 662 01 00 or via [email protected].