As we prepare this article, all states and territories with the exception of Western Australia are under severe to extreme weather conditions. The east coast including the entire coats of NSW and parts of south-east Queensland are being subjected to rainfall and flooding which in many places is exceeding 60 year records. Authorities are pleading with drivers not to drive through flood-affected areas and if possible, do not travel during these times. But there are people who need to drive and there are things you can do to minimise the risks associated with driving on wet roads and in massive downpours.
Surveys have revealed that most drivers are nervous when driving in such conditions. Having confidence that your vehicle is suitable and is in good condition can be a starting point for settling those nerves. Modern vehicles have significantly improved safety features which are continually being advanced with each new model release. If you have an older model vehicle, then, for safety's sake if not for any other reason, it could be time to consider an upgrade. With Jade Car Loans offering historically low interest rates across our motor vehicle finance portfolio, cheap car loans are available.
The golden rule around driving in the rain or on wet roads is to SLOW DOWN! We’ve all heard of driving to the conditions and it’s repeatedly endlessly for a reason. Tyres lose their grip in the wet, you can come across flash flooding unexpectedly, visibility can be impaired by fogged up windscreens or downpours and in general, road conditions can be extremely hazardous. Slowing down to below the speed limit and leaving more distance between you and the vehicle in front is essential.
If conditions worsen and become far too hard to see clearly, simply pull over and wait it out.
Vehicle Preparation
While driving technique and behaviour are extremely important when driving in rain-affected conditions, the type and condition of your vehicle are also a critical element. In addition to maintaining your car according to regular servicing schedules, attention should be paid to tyres especially. Check the air pressure is correct before heading off and regularly inspect the tread for any signs of wear.
While the rubber connects you to the road, you need to see clearly. Check your windscreen wiper blades regularly and replace them if damaged. Ensure your demister air-con system is working effectively and start it up before you head off to allow time for the system to kick in.
Driving with lights on is essential in the rain and fog. Check all lights are operational and replace globes as soon as they blow. That means headlights, indicators and especially your brake lights. If you’re brake lights aren’t working you risk the car behind running into you.
Know Your Vehicle
Not everyone is totally into cars, that’s a fact. Many of us buy a new car, take a brief read of the operational manual to see where the essentials are located, how the sound system works and that’s it. In extreme conditions, it can be worth knowing a little more than that about how your car works.
This is of particular importance to owners of SUVs. At Jade Car Loans, we are well aware that this segment of the motor vehicle market is booming. However, owners need to know the capabilities of their particular SUV. Not every SUV is a 4x4. Most are not built to drive through creeks and especially never through flood waters. Just because your SUV is higher than some car types doesn’t mean you’ll be safe driving through large sections of flooded roads, even in the city.
Know your vehicle and drive to its limitations. We have posted an article on the different definitions of SUV, FWD, AWD and 4x4, so could be worth a re-read.
Select a Vehicle to Suit Your Driving Environment
If you do live in an area where you have a regular need to drive under certain road weather conditions, select a new vehicle that is suited to those conditions. Using our business car loan calculator, you can easily calculate repayment estimates on any number of vehicles. Simply enter the different purchase price and your preferred loan term and the calculator generates the repayment estimates.
This is a great tool to refer to when buying a new car and tossing between different makes and models. With interest rates at the current low levels, the difference in repayments between a certain model and a much better vehicle may not be as much as you think.
Replacing a Flood or Storm Damaged Vehicle
The final topic to cover in this ‘rain/flood event’ article is what happens if your vehicle is written off due to the flood or storm and you need to purchase a new one. When you purchase a vehicle with finance you are required to take out a comprehensive insurance policy. Depending on your particular policy, the vehicle should be covered. But that does not necessarily mean you will get a brand new vehicle to replace it.
Insurance policies can be for an agreed value or market value. If the money paid out by the insurer does not cover what you owe on your loan, you will have to cover the balance.
If the vehicle is not under finance, you can receive the insurance payout and put that towards the deposit on a new vehicle or pocket the money and take out car finance on 100% of the purchase price of the new vehicle.
If you need to replace your damaged vehicle quickly, contact Jade Car Loans ASAP and we can move into action immediately to assist you with finances. Our consultants will arrange fast loan approval and liaise between our lender and the car dealer to finalise the deal and have you in possession of your new vehicle as quickly as possible. It may be imperative that you have transport and there may be no need to wait for the insurer to pay out on your existing car before you proceed to purchase a replacement. Just contact Jade for a quote and assistance with your motor vehicle finance requirements.
To arrange finance on a new vehicle, contact Jade Car Loans at 1300 000 003 for a quote.
DISCLAIMER: REGARDING MISREPRESENTATIONS AND ERRORS CONTAINED IN THE MATERIAL AS PRESENTED, LIABILITY IS NOT ACCEPTED. THE DETAILS AND CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR CAR BUYERS AND INDIVIDUALS AND BUSINESS SEEKING FINANCE PURELY AS GENERAL INFORMATION. THIS IS NOT PROVIDED AS THE ONLY SOURCE OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION. ANYONE THAT CONSIDERS THAT NEED FINANCIAL ADVICE ABOUT THEIR SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS SHOULD SEEK THEIR OWN FINANCIAL ADVISOR.
