Driving in adverse weather conditions can be challenging, even for the most experienced drivers. When you’re behind the wheel of a hire van, the task becomes even more daunting. This blog post aims to provide you with essential tips on driving a hire van in a storm, focusing on safety and control. If you’re planning to rent a van from Warrington Van Hire and are concerned about potential bad weather, this guide to driving a hire van in as storm is for you.
Understanding Your Hire Van
Before embarking on your journey, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with your hire van. Unlike regular cars, vans have different handling characteristics due to their size and weight distribution. If you’ve rented your vehicle from Warrington Van Hire, our team will happily walk you through the basics.
Start by adjusting your seat and mirrors for optimal visibility and control. Learn where all the controls are located – wipers, lights, indicators – so that you can operate them without taking your eyes off the road. Remember that vans have larger blind spots than cars; use your mirrors frequently and consider installing additional blind-spot mirrors if necessary.
Driving A Hire Van In A Storm: Safety Tips
When driving in stormy weather, visibility is often reduced and roads become slippery. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:
1. Slow Down: Speeding increases the chances of hydroplaning when roads are wet. Maintaining a safe speed allows you enough time to react if something unexpected happens.
2. Keep Your Distance: Increase the distance between your van and other vehicles on the road as braking distances increase when it’s raining.
3. Use Your Lights: Turn on your headlights so other drivers can see you.
4. Avoid Sudden Movements: Sudden braking or steering can cause loss of control over the vehicle, especially on wet roads. Make sure your actions are smooth and gradual.
Handling Strong Winds
Driving a hire van in a storm often means dealing with strong winds. Due to their height and flat sides, vans are more susceptible to being blown off course by gusts of wind. Here’s how you can handle this:
1. Hold the Steering Wheel Firmly: Strong winds can push your van off course without warning. Keep both hands on the wheel at all times.
2. Anticipate Gusts: Be aware of open areas like bridges or gaps in hedges where wind can suddenly pick up.
3. Take Breaks: Driving in bad weather can be tiring as it requires more concentration. Don’t hesitate to stop for regular breaks.
Warrington Van Hire: Your Partner in Safe Travel
At Warrington Van Hire, we prioritize your safety above all else. Our hire vans are regularly serviced and maintained to ensure they’re in top condition, even in the toughest weather conditions.
Our team is always ready to provide you with advice and guidance on driving our vans safely, whether you’re navigating city streets or facing a storm on the open road.
Conclusion
Driving a hire van in a storm doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking experience if you’re prepared and understand how to handle the vehicle safely. Remember that delaying your journey is always better if the weather conditions are too severe.
With Warrington Van Hire, you can rest assured that our vehicles are equipped to handle adverse weather conditions, and our team is always here to support you every step of the way. Stay safe on the roads!
For more information, speak to a staff member, as we are Van Hire Warrington, Van Hire Runcorn, Van Hire Widnes, Van Hire Altrincham & Van Hire St Helens specialists.
