Driving in the Rain

Parts of the UK are bracing themselves for a repeat of the floods many experienced last summer, as severe rainfall has been forecast for most of the country. Recently, the Met Office has issued severe flood warnings for 43 areas.

Heavy rainfall can also lead to transport chaos and treacherous driving conditions, so here are a few things to bear in mind if you are caught in a down-pour.

Give yourself room

Stopping distances will be at least double what they are on dry roads because tyres generate less grip on the road. You should keep well back from the vehicle in front as this will increase your ability to see and plan ahead.

The rain and spray from vehicles may also make it difficult to see and be seen so giving yourself a bit more room will give you more time to react.

Don't attempt to cross if the water seems too deep. Drive slowly in first gear but keep the engine speed high by slipping the clutch - this will stop you from stalling. Avoid the deepest water, usually near the kerb and remember to test your brakes when you are through the flood before you drive at normal speed.

Hydroplaning occurs when your tyres don't push away enough water. Pressure builds up which raises your car on to a thin layer of water and can cause you to skid and lose control. Making sure your tyres are correctly inflated with enough tread will help avoid this.

Bid for a Winter Bargain

Seasonal trends in supply and demand mean that there are more used cars available at auction and this means prices are very competitive. Buyers can take their pick from a wide choice of ex-fleet and lease vehicles and a great selection of other pre-owned cars.

More motorists than ever are turning to the used car market to bag a bargain and auction offers a great choice whatever their budget. To find out when and where your nearest auction is, visit AutoInsider.co.uk

BCA's top 10 tips for buying a car at auction:

• Don't buy on your first visit - sample the atmosphere and get used to the pace.
• Do your homework - know what you want before you go to an auction and have an idea what the car you are after is worth.
• Terms and conditions - each auction house has its own terms and conditions explaining how you can buy, what the fees are etc. Familiarise yourself with these so that you don't get surprised later on.
• Don't rush - arrive early and take time to examine the vehicle that interests you.
• Do ask questions - ask auction staff, they will be happy to help.
• Check the car - it's up to you to check the car's condition, so examine it prior to entering the auction hall. And listen to the engine running as it is driven into the auction hall.
• Budget - set a limit and stick to it. Save some funds for a post sale service and any minor repairs that might be needed.
• Be flexible - if you miss your first choice, don't give up and don't throw the budget out the window just because you like the colour of the car you're bidding on!
• Auctioneer's description - this is legally binding, so listen carefully. The terms and conditions will explain all the terminology used.
• Bid clearly - don't wink or tap your nose, simply raise your hand or the catalogue.

Drivers demand dangerous speed humps be dumped

The Association of British Drivers has renewed its call for all speed humps to be removed from British roads after a speed hump caused a serious accident.

According to a report in the Manchester Evening News a police Transit van, responding to a 999 call, lost control upon hitting a speed hump in Ashby Close, Bolton, causing it to become airborne. The van then hit an oncoming car, and crashed into a garden where it hit six people who were standing in the garden, including a 8 year old boy.

ABD Spokesman Nigel Humphries said "It is only by some miracle that no-one was killed here. We get to get away from the simplistic notion that speed humps make roads safer, they do not, they often make them more dangerous. "

The ABD has compiled a comprehensive list of problems associated with speed humps, and some forward thinking local authorities such as the London Borough of Barnet have already begun removing them. Yet in other areas they are still being installed with no thought whatsoever for the consequences.

ABD Chairman Brian Gregory added: "Speed humps are nothing more than inverted pot holes, they are a danger to all road users. As long ago as the early 70's a woman cyclist was killed in Swindon when a speed hump caused her to fall and be hit by a vehicle --- that speed hump was subsequently removed. Yet when the government thought people had forgotten about this tragedy, they started installing them again. "