You may be familiar with the term freezing rain. It is very dangerous to drive in freezing rain even skillful drivers got stuck while driving in such conditions. If you expect freezing rain then your preparation is a must.
This situation is highly expected in very cold areas in winter. Freezing rain can endanger you and your vehicle due to unclear visibility you can face a terrible accident. Here the question arises, how can I drive in freezing rain? Stay tuned with us you will find the best ways to keep your drive safe in freezing rain.
After reading this you won’t need to pause your journey but carry towards your destination. Anyhow you need to follow some tips before starting your journey. In freezing rain, you must be careful about the temperature inside the vehicle. You can protect your surrounding environment warmly by several techniques.
What We Can Say Freezing Rain
Freezing rain is the mid condition between rain and ice. It originates as snow but after passing through the warm layer. As a result, snowflakes melt into droplets. When these droplets further pass through the thin layer of freezing temperature then conversion of these droplets occurs. These droplets don’t have enough time to freeze that’s why it touches the earth surface as freezing rain. Freezing rain is basically supercooled raindrops.
Drive Safely In Freezing Rain
Is it safe or dangerous to drive in freezing rain? Yes, it is dangerous if you aren’t prepared well because the freezing rain will decrease the friction between the tires and road, make it easy for your vehicle to sliding while driving. Also, it is safe, follow the following steps (below discussed) to make your journey safe in freezing rain.
Postpone Your Journey If You Can
You can endanger yourself and passengers if you drive in freezing rain. If it is possible to go out in clear weather. It would be more than good. This the first and safe way to keep the freezing rain aside.
Why do we suggest this for you? It is simple you won’t be safe from freezing rain even if you drive slowly and gradually. Still, your body can hit the freezing rain. It means you are in constant danger outside. Simply, it will be best to stay home and stay safe. Anyhow if you are in hurry we don’t suggest this for you. In this condition, you can drive slowly with the most care.
Keep The Vehicle Warm
This is also one of the safety tips. You need to keep your vehicle warm. It will help in melting the icy drops over the vehicle that’s why you won’t need to stop your journey. If the freezing drops melt simultaneously then there is a chance to carry on and vice versa.
Here a question arises, how to warm a vehicle in freezing rain? It is simple. You must keep the engine in one position (even if you don’t move some time). In this way, you can keep your vehicle warm. You can use a heater inside the car. It will keep your gathering warm while covering your journey in freezing rain.
Use Tractable Snow Tires
It is a fact, you need tires with deep treads. In this way, it will provide much traction as compared to normal. When snowflakes fall on the road they turn out to be slippered. You can face a terrible accident with less tractable tires that’s why you need to have snow tires.
We suggest the best tires for traction in rain and snow. Don’t choose the cheap quality for this purpose. If you compromise on the tractable snow tires then your journey will be a headache for you that’s why with the investment of a budget you can increase your safety while driving in snow, ice, and freezing rain.
Drive Slowly
This suggestion isn’t only for freezing rain. You need to drive slowly all the time. If you keep your speed within a limit. It means you can extend your breathing chance. Fast driving is nothing but a risk.
You need to drive more slowly in freezing. In this way, you will waste a few minutes but you will save your life. You can follow a heavy vehicle (if you have a car). It will clarify your way to go ahead. If you get worried, how will I get to my destination on time? It is simple, you need to start your journey earlier as you can. So, you will reach due to this extra time.
Use Head Light For High Visibility
You have also this golden option. If there is dark with freezing rain (as often comes) then turn on the headlight. It will boost up your vision. This sounds common but we pay less attention to light (especially in the daytime). If you visualize things clear then you are safe up to some extent.
Most of the time a fog with rain causes accidents. If we drive slowly with the headlight on. We can overcome the dark area peacefully. It isn’t only useful for you but it can save another driver safe too. Your headlights will prove your presence on the way. Anyhow keep your headlight and indicator functional.
Keep a Distance From The Front Vehicle
This is also a point to be noted while driving, you need to keep your distance from the front vehicle. We are often in a hurry that’s why we don’t care for distance. As you know there is a chance of frustration. Similarly, sometimes brakes fail in freezing rain. As a result, an accident occurs.
Ensure Brake Functionality
If your break is not trustable then don’t move in freezing rain. It will be equal to suicide. We are going to point out certain things related to brake. As you know we need a functional brake in harsh weather. We don’t care about the care of brake that is devastating. We lose our vehicle control due to brake failure.
A skilled driver always check the following brake relevant things.
- They check the brake pads and rotors after some time.
- The brake needs bleeding (in this process we release the access of air from the brake.
- They often change (upgrade) to brake parts after some time.
- As you know brake requires continuous care such
- Not lifting too much weight etc
Use Windshield Wipers
You have one last but important option. Although it is not the proper solution to this problem still it can be effective. If your car hasn’t functional windshield wipers then you can’t move in freezing rain. A windshield can remove water and sleet from the windshield.
Simply, If you decide to go out in freezing rain, you must check the wipers. If it is able to remove water drops and ice let’s go otherwise not. You need the best windshield blades for heavy rain and snow. So, don,t compromise on the quality. Try the prescribed wafers for a comfortable journey.