Summer has arrived across southern Africa and with it comes the wettest season on the Highveld. With the heavy rain showers, Ford has shared how to stay on the road in these adverse conditions.
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Derek Kirkby, Training Director at MasterDrive, emphasizes the importance of vigilance. “Many drivers exercise extreme caution in snowy or off-road conditions, but often underestimate the dangers of rain,” he notes. While responsible driving is critical, your vehicle also plays a vital role in navigating inclement weather. Automotive quality and durability have become an important aspect for car manufacturers in recent decades, with a spectrum of tests ensuring that a new vehicle rolling off the production line can withstand the elements across the spectrum. The Ford Ranger and Ranger Raptor are prime examples of vehicles designed to handle the harsh conditions with the “Leak Test,” which simulates extreme rain to ensure the vehicles’ water resistance.
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Ford uses an elaborate method to simulate heavy rain. Each Ranger and Ranger Raptor is subjected to high-pressure jets of water spraying from all angles for five minutes. This test mimics the brutal intensity of a monsoon and is intended to expose any vulnerabilities in the vehicle’s seals. After the test, inspections are carried out:
- Component Controls: Taillights, headlights and fog lights are examined to ensure no water has entered.
- Connection Integrity: Each door is opened and rubber seals are inspected for signs of leakage.
- Sustainability focus: The water used during testing is collected, treated and reused, reflecting Ford’s commitment to sustainability.
This rigorous process ensures Ford vehicles can keep drivers and passengers dry, even in the harshest weather conditions. However, staying safe on the road during rain requires more than a waterproof vehicle: it requires careful driving and preparation. Driving safely during rainy conditions can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. Here are practical tips to keep in mind:
- Ensure visibility: Clear vision is of the utmost importance. Check that your windshield wipers are in good condition and replace them if necessary. Turn on your headlights, even during the day, to improve visibility for yourself and others. Use the demister settings to keep your windshield and rear windows clear.
- Check your tyres: Tires are your vehicle’s only connection to the road. Make sure they are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure and that they have sufficient tread depth for good grip. Ford vehicles equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) can warn you if the tire pressure is low.
- Avoid cruise control: While cruise control is useful on dry roads, it can be dangerous in wet conditions. If your tires lose grip, the system may accelerate to maintain speed, increasing the risk of skidding. Manual control provides better response times on slippery surfaces.
- Slow down and brake smoothly: Wet roads increase braking distances, so reduce your speed and brake gently to avoid skidding. Maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles so that you have enough time to stop.
- Stay aware of pedestrians: Rain reduces visibility, and pedestrians may too make sudden crossings to avoid getting wet. Be especially vigilant in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
- Avoid puddles and flooded areas: Driving through puddles or standing water can hide hazards such as potholes. If you must cross, reduce speed to minimize damage to your tires, suspension or alignment.
- Handle aquaplaning with care: Standing water can cause aquaplaning, where your tires lose contact with the road. If this happens, gently release the accelerator, avoid sudden braking or steering, and allow the tires to regain traction.
- Be careful with larger vehicles: Splash from buses and trucks can reduce your visibility, making overtaking or following closely dangerous. Maintain a safe distance to ensure clear sight lines.
- Know when to stop: If visibility is severely impaired, find a safe place to stop and wait out the storm. Never attempt to drive if you cannot see the road ahead clearly.
- Prepare an emergency kit: Unexpected weather can leave you stranded. Keep a wet weather pack in your car with essentials such as a raincoat, waterproof flashlight, fresh water, snacks and a change of clothes.
By combining a reliable vehicle with responsible driving, you can hit the road safely and confidently, no matter how hard the rain falls.
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