Drivers on the Storm
The current Mrs Lines was much exercised when she came into the house.
"There's a light flashing on the dashboard of my car and every time I accelerate there's a shuddering! It wasn't like that before you used it, what have you done to it, Parallel?"
So I took the car to the garage, had two new rear tyres fitted and sent her out. "Fantastic! It's all good again, no reason to panic eh?"
What was the magic that Parallel Lines weaved around the car? Well, the flashing light was the Traction Control warning, and the shuddering was the TC in action as the (nearly illegal) rear tyres struggled for grip. What changed from last week? The road conditions of course, thanks to Storms Eowyn and Herminia. There was a lot more water on the road and the depth of tread just wasn't enough to move it away. Especially when combined with Mrs Lines's right foot! New tyres worked wonders and the TC can have some time off.
In a former life Parallel Lines was a skid pan instructor, and taught skills for driving on slippery roads. Here's a few tips to share with you now:
- Drive much further ahead - anticipate hazards, slow down sooner, brake in a straight line and accelerate when you're through the corner not still steering
- Treat the pedals as if you have eggs on them - squeeze gently but firmly, try not to break the eggs
- Allow at least twice as long to stop on a wet road as a dry road - see what the Highway Code says here
- If you have ABS it is there to give you steering control NOT to shorten the braking distance. ABS could also mean "Allows Braking and Steering"
- If you do't have ABS, learn the art of cadence braking - pumping the pedal, allowing the wheels to rotate. A locked wheel relies on the friction of the tyre to slow you down, a rotating wheel uses the power of the brakes
- Join the PTA!
The PTA is Absolute Alignment's campaign for safer driving. Never forget the basics:
- PRESSURE - The correct pressure is even more important in wet weather as it dictates the amount of tread on the road
- TREAD - Too little tread, and you won't clear the water safely
- ALIGNMENT - Incorrect wheel alignment de-stabilises the car and gives uneven tyre wear
The conclusion is clear - safe driving in bad weather is in YOUR hands. Keeping your car in tip top condition saves lives, and the ultimate control is your right foot!
Parallel Lines
January 2025