Monday Rain-and-Wind Car Check | JUFO

The Met Office update issued at 16:00 on Monday 12 October says London and South East England can expect cloud, light rain or drizzle this evening, with winds strengthening overnight. A blustery rainband, locally heavy, is forecast to move east on Tuesday morning. That makes tonight a useful moment for a short, calm preparation check rather than a rushed inspection in tomorrow's rain.

Start with a clear view

Visibility is the first priority. Clean the windscreen outside and remove the greasy film that can build up inside. Check that both wiper blades sweep cleanly without smearing, and top up screenwash with a suitable product rather than plain water alone. Make sure mirrors, lights and number plates are clean before the darker part of the journey.

The Highway Code says headlights must be used when visibility is seriously reduced, generally when you cannot see for more than 100 metres. Fog lights are only for seriously reduced visibility and must be switched off when conditions improve. In ordinary rain, dipped headlights and a clean screen help other road users see you without causing unnecessary glare.

Give wet roads more space

Wet roads reduce tyre grip and increase stopping distance. The Highway Code states that stopping distances in wet weather will be at least double those required on dry roads. Increase the gap behind the vehicle ahead, reduce speed early and avoid sharp steering or braking. Spray from larger vehicles can briefly obscure the view, so create enough room to see and plan.

If steering feels unusually light or unresponsive, ease off the accelerator and slow gradually rather than braking hard. Watch for standing water, fallen leaves and patches of diesel near junctions or roundabouts. Take extra care around pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders, who may be harder to see and more affected by wind or spray.

Check tyres, fuel and fluids tonight

Use the manufacturer's recommended pressures and inspect all tyres for visible damage. The legal minimum tread depth for cars in the UK is 1.6 mm, but a tyre near the limit has less margin for clearing water. If you find a cut, bulge, embedded object or persistent loss of pressure, arrange professional advice before driving.

THINK! recommends simple checks of tyres, fuel, oil and water. Keep enough fuel or charge for delays and diversions, and make sure oil, coolant and screenwash are within the correct ranges. Check levels only as directed in the vehicle handbook and never open a hot cooling system.

Pack for a delay, not a drama

A practical roadside kit should be easy to reach and secured so that it cannot move around the boot. Useful items include a reflective vest, torch, warm layer, first-aid pouch, charging cable and the details of your breakdown provider. Add water and a small snack for longer journeys. Preparation is about comfort and communication while professional help is arranged, not attempting unsafe repairs beside live traffic.

Make Tuesday morning easier

Set out a few minutes earlier, check the live forecast and traffic information, and choose a route that avoids known flood-prone sections where possible. If conditions are worse than expected, delay a non-essential journey. Once moving, keep the cabin ventilated, use demisters before the glass clouds over and allow other road users extra time and space.

If a vehicle develops a problem on a motorway, try to leave at the next junction or service area. If that is not possible, follow current National Highways and Highway Code advice for the location and call for help. Do not put a warning triangle on a motorway. A ten-minute check tonight cannot control the weather, but it can remove several avoidable problems from tomorrow's commute.

Sources: Met Office: London and South East England forecast; The Highway Code: adverse weather; THINK!: vehicle safety checks.