Driving in the rain in Spain

Although famous for 300+ days of sunshine a year, it can rain in Spain and driving in the wet can be more hazardous than you might expect.

The first rain after a long dry spell lifts all the oil that has been collecting on the road surface, which means it can get very slippy, very quickly and because the roads have been baked bone dry, water doesn’t run off as fast as you might expect.

Here are Upsticks essential tips for driving in the rain in Spain:

Check your windscreen wipers
This should be part of a regular maintenance check, but after the intense heat of a Spanish summer, it’s especially important to make sure your wipers are in good condition. Always buy the best quality wipers you can afford, as they last longer and the rubber tends not to disintegrate so quickly in the sun.

Check your tyres
Like windscreen wipers, tyres can suffer in the hot Spanish sun and they may perish or crack before the tread wears down. Worn or damaged tyres can significantly impact your vehicle’s handling on wet roads, especially if they have been driven hard in the sun, so make sure your tyres are in good condition. 

Watch your speed and braking distance
Road surfaces in Spain may not be as “rain-ready” as in countries like the UK or northern Europe, where the tarmac has larger gaps so water can run off more effectively. In Spain, water tends to “sit” on the road surface, increasing the risk of aquaplaning.

Reduce your speed, increase braking distance and take extra care if driving in the rain, especially if it’s the first rainfall for a long time.

Be aware of other drivers
Driving habits in Spain may adapt slowly to rainy conditions and other road users might need to make sudden and unexpected adjustments to their speed or braking distance, so be extra cautious and aware of your surroundings.

While less frequent, rain in Spain brings its own challenges, especially for drivers. By following these simple yet essential tips, you can ensure safer journeys during wet weather.

This article is written in conjunction with a video on our Youtube Channel. Check out @robnorris4770 useful comment on the Video.