Whilst rain, fog, and gusty winds can make driving on foreign roads feel intimidating, with the right mindset and this toolkit of knowledge, you can stay safe and confident behind the wheel of your rental car!
Take a minute to get to know your vehicle
We bet you’ll be eager to hit the road as soon as the car keys touch your palm, and we don’t blame you! But it’s important that you familiarise yourself with the rental vehicles features and controls before you set off.
Most modern cars come with great safety features like anti-lock brakes, blind-spot assist, and traction control systems that help you navigate all types of weather. They are designed with your safety in mind and can offer reassurance knowing you’re driving with extra support!
Important features to take note of:
Wiper and washer controls
Headlights and fog lights (remember to never use high beams in fog!)
Demisting
Cruise control
AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking – not to get confused with Emergency Brake System)
Blind-spot monitoring
Opt out of cruise control
We love the convenience and comfort that cruise control brings, especially on long, open roads. However, if you’re driving in rainy, foggy or windy conditions, we advise you to turn the feature off.
Staying in full control of the car during challenging weather gives you the flexibility to adjust your speed quickly and react smoothly to any changes on the road. While cruise control is a fantastic tool, being hands-on if the weather turns ensures you’re driving with maximum safety and confidence.
There’s no need to rush
In the face of bad weather, it may be tempting to get to your destination and off the road as soon as possible, but we recommend you slow down to a pace you find comfortable, and aligns with other vehicles on the road.
Driving at a manageable speed, with appropriate stopping distances, allows you to skip the stress and instead embrace the peaceful atmosphere that autumn conditions often bring.
Shift down
Shifting to a lower gear is a excellent technique for maintaining control when driving in windy or rainy conditions. By doing so, you reduce the reliance on brakes (which are more prone to skidding) and instead allow the engine to help slow the vehicle which provides better traction on slippery surfaces.
Give yourself a break!
If the bad weather feels overwhelming, don’t hesitate to pull over in a safe spot to take a break. Giving yourself a moment to reset means that when you’re ready, you’ll be able to continue your drive with even more focus and confidence.
Don’t let unfavourable weather take away from a fantastic holiday – it’s simply a part of the adventure! Embrace the journey, stay flexible with your plans, and remember that some of the best memories often come from unexpected experiences.
