With a heavy downpour comes slippery roads, floods, and low visibility — conditions that increase the chances of accidents. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.3 million deaths occur worldwide due to road crashes every year. 

In Metro Manila , the Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System (MMARAS) recorded 65,032 accidents in 2020. These resulted in the death of 337 people. 

So as a precaution, many drivers would slow down when the sky opens. While reducing speed is important when driving in the wet, Prestone wants motorists to know other measures in driving during a downpour. 

Check weather advisories

Aside from being mindful of the safety protocols of the new normal, it also pays to always check the weather forecast before heading out. One can also consider postponing a trip altogether until the weather is better. 

Make sure the vehicle is in good condition 

Since there's no telling what might happen during rainy days, it's integral to always check the vehicle’s lights, brakes, and especially the windshield wipers are working in tip-top condition.  

Wear seatbelts and proper gear

Seatbelts save lives in all weather conditions. For motorcycle riders, they must protect themselves from the elements with water-proof or resistant gear, such as helmets, pads, raincoats and boots, or riding jackets.  

Keep the headlights on

Downpours hamper visibility, so headlights should be switched on to increase the visibility of one's vehicle and the road ahead. But if the driver's visibility is zero, they need not hesitate to pull over and wait for the rain to subside. 

Keep distance 

On slippery surfaces, any vehicle's braking is affected, so drivers and riders should take note to keep distance between the vehicles in front and around them. 

Brake fluid

Adding a layer of safety is Prestone's range of brake fluids, which ensure the optimum performance of a vehicle's braking system.

It helps transfer the force created when the brake pedal is pressed directly onto the wheel hub. Prestone brake fluids also serve as a lubricant for all the movable parts while preventing corrosion, which happens more likely on rainy conditions. 

Prestone said its brake fluids use a "scientifically compounded and chemically balanced formula developed for use in all types of automobile and truck hydraulic brake systems." The fluids also exceed the performance requirements of DOT 3 and military brake fluid specifications.

Meanwhile, the Prestone Brake Fluid DOT 3 for motorcycles can be used for all disc brake systems in all types of motorcycles, which require the brake fluid rating for the master cylinders. It prevents brake failure and corrosion in the brake system, Prestone said. 

For systems that require high-temperature DOT 4 brake fluid, Prestone also offers its DOT 4 Synthetic Hi-Temp Brake Fluid. It's suitable for disk, drum, and anti-lock braking systems (ABS). 

Prestone Philippines has always been an advocate for road safety. Aside from brake fluids, it also provides other car care products, such as coolants, power steering fluids, and more.

To learn more about Prestone and its products, visit their website at https://www.prestone.com.ph/.

Photos from Prestone

Also read: Why is the power steering liquid important to your car?