If you are considering a new Subaru Impreza for sale, you are likely to be interested in getting the best performance from your new vehicle. However, while you may be able to handle your Impreza in ideal conditions, what happens in wet weather? After a heavy rain will you be able to safely handle your Subaru Impreza? Australia-based drivers need to consider some precautions to ensure that you stay safe.
Control:
In recent years, there has been great advancement in the development of vehicle safety technology. However, you can’t get away from the fact that there are four areas of contact between the surface of the road and your tyres. This fact means that tyre grip is considered to be the ultimate in limiting factors for directional control and braking. Therefore, especially during spells of wet weather you need to ensure that you have the grip you need.
Some modern models such as Subaru vehicles feature additional safety technologies such as electronic stability control, ABS braking and all wheel drive to maximise tyre grip. However, if the tyre grip has been compromised, there will be no vehicle control.
Always ensure that your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure and that they have sufficient tread remaining. It is a good idea to check your tyres before any spells of wet weather are anticipated.
Braking Distances:
Higher speeds create an exponential increase in the kinetic energy of the vehicle. This formula means that there is a greater amount of force needed to stop the vehicle. The braking distances for a vehicle are not simply doubled if you are travelling at double the speed. The increase in braking distances exponentially increase. There are charts and illustrations contained in vehicle owner’s manuals to show the distance needed to stop a car on dry or wet road conditions at different speeds.
These braking distances are usually based on travelling in a straight line. The exponential braking distances also apply to the maneuvering forces and cornering when you are trying to avoid an obstacle. The faster your vehicle is travelling, the higher g-force is needed to stay on the road around the corner or obstacle. In wet road conditions, the slippery surface may not offer sufficient cornering force to avoid sliding off the road.
Maintaining Safe Distances and Driving Slowly:
In order to stay safe when driving your Subaru Impreza, Australia-based drivers should maintain safe distances and slow down when in wet conditions. The slippery road conditions creating less road grip and the increased braking distances in wet conditions can take some drivers by surprise. You may find that if a vehicle in front of you stops suddenly, you need every second to ensure that your vehicle comes to a complete stop and avoid an impact. Even if the posted speed limit is 110 kilometres per hour, you will need to use your common sense and drive at speeds appropriate to the road conditions.
If you are considering a Subaru Impreza, Australia-based drivers should contact us. We have a wide selection of vehicles including the new Subaru Impreza for sale. Our sales team are here to assist with any questions you may have.
We hope that this article has been an informative one, and invite you to post your comments or questions in the comments section below. We’re on social media and would love to hear from you, too. Look us up on Facebook, Google Plus and YouTube.
