ACV: Tips for Driving During Thunderstorms, Hail, Heat, Storms, or Heavy Rain

According to the Natural Hazards Report of the German Insurance Association (GDV), damage worth around 900 million euros was caused in the automotive sector alone in 2022 due to natural forces.

Out of this, 890 million euros were due to storm and hail damage. The ACV Automobile Club Verkehr provides important advice on how drivers can safely reach their destinations even in extreme weather conditions during the summer.  

Heat: Keep an eye on health and vehicle technology

High temperatures can affect both the condition of drivers and the technology of vehicles. Heat stress and exhaustion are frequently underestimated problems that can lead to loss of concentration and thus increase the risk of accidents. Therefore, drivers should take regular breaks and drink plenty of fluids on hot summer days.

At outside temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius, the interior of a parked vehicle can heat up to over 50 degrees Celsius after just one hour in the sun. Before getting into an overheated car, it is advisable to let the hot air escape through doors and windows.

Once the air conditioning is turned on, the windows should remain closed. The desired temperature of the air conditioning should not be set too low and should be a maximum of about six degrees Celsius below the outside temperature, otherwise a cold can quickly occur. To ensure proper functioning of the air conditioning, it should be serviced regularly.

At high temperatures, there is a risk of engine damage due to overheating in cars. To prevent this, the coolant level should be checked regularly. Important for electric cars: High temperatures can affect battery performance. From 35 degrees Celsius, storage capacity decreases, reducing the range.

Therefore, electric cars should be parked in the shade or in garages during extreme heat and frequent fast charging should be avoided. At high outside temperatures, lower charging power is gentler on the battery.

Heavy Rain: Avoid Underpasses and Beware of Aquaplaning

Heavy rain can significantly impair visibility and make roads slippery. Therefore, speed should always be reduced and the safety distance to the vehicle in front should be increased.

During aquaplaning, it is important to avoid strong steering movements and braking maneuvers, not to accelerate, and to let the vehicle coast until the tires regain contact with the road. Speaking of tires: Regularly checking the tread depth of summer tires is crucial to ensure that the vehicle maintains good contact with the road even during heavy rain. Summer tires must have at least 1.6 millimeters, but three millimeters of tread depth is recommended.

During heavy rain, underpasses can quickly flood due to rain and clogged drains. It is often difficult to determine how deep the water in an underpass really is. Therefore, the ACV advises against driving through underpasses during heavy rain and suggests taking a detour in case of doubt. As spray water can enter the engine's intake area, this can quickly lead to severe damage.

Thunderstorms: Caution with Poor Visibility and Falling Trees

Summer thunderstorms can quickly develop and worsen visibility. Heavy rain poses a risk of aquaplaning, and fallen trees or branches present additional hazards. Drivers should turn on their headlights and maintain sufficient distance from other vehicles during thunderstorms.

For visibility less than 100 meters, the road traffic regulations impose a maximum speed of 80 km/h, and for 50 meters visibility, only 50 km/h. Rear fog lights can then also be turned on. Guide posts at the roadside provide orientation, as they are always placed 50 meters apart.

If you wish to park your car during a thunderstorm, you should avoid hills and trees. A car is safe from lightning since the body acts as a Faraday cage, directing the electrical charge around the occupants. However, metal parts inside the vehicle should not be touched in the event of a lightning strike.

Important for campers in motorhomes or caravans: In addition to closing all windows, doors, and roof hatches, the external 230-volt cable should be unplugged and placed at least one meter away from the vehicle to avoid damage from power surges. A safe place to stay is the driver's cabin or the towing vehicle.