How Traction Control Keeps You Safe
We believe that cars are designed to handle most obstacles life throws at them. When it comes to rainy weather and slippery roads during flash floods, your car should be able to do just that. Most modern cars – Subaru models included – come with a traction control feature already installed. This is probably one of the most important features all cars should have, as it guarantees safer travel and gives you peace of mind knowing that your car is preventing you from slipping and sliding all over the road.
Traction Control Explained
What is traction control?
Traction control, in the simplest terms, is a safety feature that helps the tyres of your car keep traction on wet and slippery roads. Without traction control, your car will spin, and spinning on traffic-heavy roads can put you in a dangerous situation. It may sound over-the-top, but it is something you shouldn’t take lightly. When South Africa experienced what was considered one of the worst flash floods of the century, many cars, houses, and lives got seriously implicated.
How does traction control work?
Traction control keeps you safe in flash floods by grounding your tyres to the surface you’re driving on. It’s important to drive with your hazards on when lowering your speed; this lets other drivers know to slow down and keep a safe distance. The only time you should turn traction control off is when you’re driving up an unstable hill or if you happen to find yourself stuck in the mud.
Using Traction Control in Wet Conditions
Can I use traction control in wet conditions?
Ideally, you want to keep traction control switched on at all times. This is so that you have the utmost control of your car and prevent the worst from happening. In the situation of a flash flood, your car risks hydroplaning, losing traction and even facing accidents. Using traction control in wet conditions keeps your tyres from spinning, making it extremely effective in rainy weather and steep hills. While most modern cars have ABS, the anti-lock braking system, traction control is probably the most effective safety feature for wet weather.
Tips for Driving Safely in the Rain
When you own a Subaru, nothing can stop you from taking a casual drive or embarking on a road trip. With that being said, sometimes the weather has a funny way of interrupting your plans. We’ve gathered up some useful tips to help you drive safely in the rain.
- Drive slow and steady. Speeding is dangerous no matter the weather. If you happen to be travelling in weather like this, it’s best to drive slowly and keep a safe distance. Remember, you always have to think about what the next person will do.
- Drive with your hazards on. This gives an indication to the other drivers that you’re there and driving cautiously.
- Run a quick car analysis. Make sure your car is set to drive through any hazardous weather conditions. Do a quick checklist before heading off to your destination.
- Check your surroundings. Always be aware of where you are and where you’re headed. If the puddle looks like it can hydroplane your car, do your best to safely drive around it.
- Try to avoid driving through flash floods at any cost. Your life and safety are important. Make sure that you only drive in flash floods or heavy rain if it’s an emergency.
Traction Control & Flash Floods – Finishing Thoughts on Road Safety
How safe is traction control in floods and wet conditions?
Traction control is a safety feature designed to prevent your tyres from spinning on slippery and wet roads. It is with this handy feature that you are able to safely drive in heavy rain. Without it, you essentially would have less control of your car, especially in times of inclement weather, making driving much more hazardous. And aside from the help given by traction control, remember, to be even safer out there, remain aware of your surroundings, drive slowly and keep a safe distance.
Every Subaru vehicle is designed from the ground up to deliver only the best driving experience possible. This means better control, better safety, and more pleasure when you drive. At Subaru, we engineer our products to help South Africans get more out of life, giving them the safety and confidence to do it. If you want both safety and luxury in a car, there’s a Subaru with your name on it. Find your nearest dealership and book your test drive today for a drive you won’t forget. For more information, call us on +27 11 608 0116 or email info@subaru.co.za.