International Driving Guide: Tips for Every Kind of Weather

From hurricane winds in Florida to sandstorms in Dubai, holiday car rental experts at StressFreeCarRental.com put together tips for drivers to keep in mind for any weather condition while out exploring the world. Keep reading for what steps to take if you find yourself caught driving in dangerous conditions.

Heavy Rainfall

Countries like the United Kingdom receive an increased amount of flash flooding and heavy rainfall during the winter months. Drivers should double their stopping distances in the rain, as the wet streets increase the chances of skidding and difficulties in braking.

Snow and Hail

Make sure your windshield is fit to withstand heavy hail, which can possibly damage the glass. If your windshield has any chips or cracks in it, make sure to get it fixed immediately to avoid any dangerous consequences from heavy hail. Also, ensure your windshield wipers are fully working to avoid obstruction of vision.

Hot Climates

If you find yourself in one of the many countries with warmer climates over the winter months, it’s important to check the conditions of the car’s components, such as the tires and cooling system. Check the tire tread in hot climates like Dubai and Australia, as this weather can lead to tires overinflating in the heat.

Dust Storms

Before driving in an area that could potentially receive a dust storm, it is important to make sure each headlight works properly. If you get caught in a dust storm, headlights will provide you with better visibility and allow other drivers to see you. If visibility gets too bad, pull off to the side of the road and wait until it clears or drive carefully until you see the next exit.

Strong Winds

Be wary of strong winds, as they can cause debris to be blown on to the road, causing unexpected obstructions. It’s important to take it slow in order to give yourself time to react to debris and gusts pushing things across the road. If there is a storm on the way, monitor wind speeds and stay off the roads if possible.

Earthquakes

If you happen to be driving during an earthquake, immediately pull over to the side of the road and stay clear of any bridges or bypasses to avoid the risk of anything collapsing. Avoiding bridges and bypasses also decreases the chance of getting trapped in your car.