Wednesday 7 October begins with a clear reason to prepare before turning the key. The Met Office forecast for London and South East England says rain will spread eastwards through the morning, becoming widespread and persistent before easing from the west later in the day. Around Esher, that means the first journey may combine dull light, wet glass and road spray. A five-minute check while the car is stationary is far more useful than discovering a smeared windscreen or low washer level after joining traffic.
Build a clear view before moving
Start with the windscreen, rear window, side glass and mirrors. Remove condensation fully, clear leaves from the base of the windscreen and make sure the wipers sweep cleanly rather than leaving broad smears. Top up the washer reservoir with the correct fluid if needed. GOV.UK says drivers are responsible for keeping the vehicle roadworthy, including clean windows and mirrors, working lights and safe tyres, even when the car has a current MOT.
Use dipped headlights when conditions make the car difficult to see; do not rely on daytime running lights to illuminate the rear. The Highway Code requires headlights when visibility is seriously reduced, generally below 100 metres. Fog lights are only for seriously reduced visibility and must be switched off when conditions improve because they can dazzle other road users.
Expect spray and give yourself more space
Rain and spray can hide lane markings, cyclists and changes in traffic speed. The Highway Code says stopping distances are at least double on wet roads because tyres have less grip. Increase the gap to the vehicle ahead before the spray thickens, keep the speed suitable for what you can actually see, and make steering, braking and acceleration smooth. If the steering becomes unresponsive, ease off the accelerator and slow gradually rather than braking sharply.
Look especially carefully near crossings, bus stops and junctions. Pedestrians may be harder to see behind wet glass, while cyclists and motorcyclists can be obscured by spray from larger vehicles. A slower approach gives everybody more time and reduces the amount of water thrown towards people at the roadside.
Check the parts that keep contact with the road
Before departure, look over each tyre for obvious cuts, bulges or damage and check pressures when the tyres are cold, following the vehicle handbook. For cars and light vans, the legal tread depth is at least 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread and around its full circumference. If a tyre looks damaged, a warning light stays on or the wipers cannot clear the screen, do not treat the forecast as a reason to hurry. Fix the issue or choose another journey plan.
Confirm that headlights, brake lights and indicators work, and check the fuel or charge level. Rain can slow traffic and diversions can add distance. Check the live forecast and route immediately before leaving because conditions can change after this article is published.
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The compact kit combines a high-visibility vest, folding warning triangle and emergency escape tool with window breaker and seatbelt cutter. Keep it secured but accessible, and make sure regular drivers know where it is. On a motorway, never place a warning triangle; if a breakdown occurs, follow current official guidance and move to a place of relative safety when it is possible and safe.
Use a simple wet-start sequence
Before leaving: clear every window, check wipers, washer fluid, lights and tyres, secure loose items and confirm the route. On the road: use appropriate lights, double the dry-road following gap, reduce speed for the visible distance and avoid sudden inputs. If rain becomes too heavy for a clear view, stop only in a safe place away from moving traffic rather than on the carriageway.
Preparation does not remove the risks of wet weather, but it reduces preventable distractions and keeps the essentials in reach. The safest Wednesday commute begins before the wheels move.
Sources: Met Office London and South East England forecast; The Highway Code: driving in adverse weather; The Highway Code: following distances; GOV.UK: check your vehicle is safe to drive.
