There’s nothing like getting to your car in the rain. It’s a haven from the elements.

Don’t let the cosiness lull you into a false sense of security. Driving in rain can shower you with hazards.

Before you set off, set your heater controls – rain makes windows mist up in seconds. You don’t want to be fiddling with controls when you should be concentrating on the road.

In all bad weather, slow down. In the rain your stopping distance should be at least doubled. Giving yourself more space helps you avoid spray, especially behind a large vehicle. And be cautious after prolonged dry spells – rain on a dry road is dangerously slippery.

Keep your eyes on the road and plan your driving so you can brake, accelerate and steer smoothly – harsh manoeuvres will unbalance the car. If you see water across the road, don’t brake or accelerate. Ease off the accelerator as you cross, grip the wheel firmly and try to steer straight ahead.

Avoid using cruise control on wet roads – it may create problems if you start to aquaplane.

In stormy conditions, it is harder to see other vehicles, road signs and the road. Put your lights on – whenever you need to use wipers you should use your headlights. Before overtaking put your wipers on their fastest setting.

Even if water on the road appears shallow, it may be deeper than you think. Before driving across a flooded patch, ask yourself if there is another way. If you need to carry on, drive on the highest section of the road, but don’t set off if a vehicle is approaching through the water.

Give room to other cars and pedestrians to avoid swamping them, and drive slowly but maintain momentum – taking your foot off the accelerator in deep water could let water travel up the exhaust. In a manual car, keep the revs high by keeping the clutch partly engaged. Out of the water, dry the brakes by lightly applying them several times, if there is no traffic close behind.

Check your wipers regularly, that your tyres are properly inflated and have enough tread, and that all of your lights work. By law, you must keep the windscreen washer filled, and to keep your windows clean, you must do the inside as well.