How to Drive Safely in Heavy Rain (and Aquaplaning)
Melbourne downpours flood lanes fast. A Cranbourne West specialist on the technique — and the car preparation behind it.
The technique
Slow down before standing water, not in it; double your following distance; use lights (not hazards while moving). If you aquaplane — steering suddenly light, engine note rising — don’t brake and don’t steer harder: ease off the accelerator and keep the wheel straight until the tyres bite again.
Cruise control is for dry roads — it can feed in power at exactly the wrong moment on standing water.
The preparation that matters more
Aquaplaning resistance is mostly tread depth and pressure: half-worn tyres clear far less water than the tread-depth numbers suggest, and under-inflation collapses the channel shape that drains it. Wipers, aircon (for demisting) and working lights complete the wet-weather kit.
A pre-winter check covers all of it — the driving technique works a lot better on a car that grips.
We’ll take care of it
Prefer to leave it to a specialist? We look after all of this as part of a service or a quick check — with honest advice on what your car actually needs, not what sells.
Book online in 60 seconds or call a Cranbourne West specialist on 03 8782 0711.
How to Drive Safely in Heavy Rain (and Aquaplaning) — FAQ
Ease off the accelerator, keep the steering straight, don’t brake — wait for the tyres to bite again.
It can add power exactly as the tyres float — you want your foot in charge.
Mostly tread depth and correct pressures — worn or soft tyres float far earlier.
Not while moving — lights on, slow down, and leave hazards for actually stopping.
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