Driving in unpredictable weather can be stressful, whether you are navigating the streets of Rochester, Faversham, Maidstone, Sittingbourne, Orpington, or Sevenoaks. Heavy rain, thick fog, and sudden snowfalls make roads in South East London and Kent even more challenging.
At Falcon Mobile Tyres, we know how important it is to stay safe behind the wheel — especially when the weather is working against you. That is why we have created this comprehensive guide on how to drive safely in rain, fog, and snow.

Whether you are commuting through Tunbridge Wells or setting off on a longer trip from Chatham or Faversham, these tips will help you stay in control and avoid accidents.

How to Drive Safely in Heavy Rain in Kent and Southeast London

Rain is common across Kent and Southeast London, and wet roads are one of the leading causes of accidents. Here’s how to drive safely when the skies open up:

Before You Set Off

• Is the trip necessary? If you can wait for the rain to ease, do so. The roads around Sevenoaks and Maidstone can flood quickly during storms.
• Check your wipers: Make sure your windscreen wipers are working properly and replace them if needed.
• Inspect your tyres: Good tread depth is crucial. We recommend at least 3mm for summer or all-season tyres. If in doubt, book a tyre check with Falcon Mobile Tyres.
• Fuel up: Rain often causes traffic jams. Do not risk running low on petrol near areas like Tunbridge Wells or Sittingbourne.
• Check your heater and air conditioning: Ensure you can quickly clear condensation inside your car.
• Listen to traffic updates: Look out for road closures, especially around low-lying areas like Faversham and Rochester.
• Charge your phone: Always have a fully charged phone in case you get stranded and need assistance.

While Driving

• Lower your speed: Wet roads increase stopping distances. Drive slower than usual, particularly through places like Orpington where country lanes can become slippery.
• Leave extra space: Stay at least four seconds behind the vehicle in front of you.
• Use dipped headlights: Visibility drops quickly in rain. Never use fog lights in rain.
• Beware of aquaplaning: If your tyres lose grip, take your foot off the accelerator and steer gently. Do not brake until you regain control.
• Avoid puddles: Deep puddles can hide potholes. If you must go through standing water, drive slowly and steadily.
• Be considerate: Do not splash pedestrians or cyclists, especially near busy town centres like Sittingbourne or Maidstone.

Need help with tyre safety before bad weather hits? Call Falcon Mobile Tyres today!

How to Drive Safely in Fog in Kent and Southeast London

Fog can descend suddenly in Southeast London and Kent, turning a normal journey into a dangerous one. Visibility can drop to almost nothing in places like Chatham and Sevenoaks.

Here’s how to prepare:

Before You Leave

• Assess the need for your journey: Fog is dangerous. If you can delay your trip, it is often the safest choice.
• Check your lights: Make sure all lights are clean and working, including your fog lights.
• Learn your car’s controls: Know how to manually switch on your headlights and fog lights, as many automatic systems do not detect fog.
• Prepare for condensation: Fog often causes the interior windows to mist up, reducing visibility even more.

While Driving

• Use dipped headlights: Never use main beam lights — they reflect off the fog and blind you.
• Use fog lights: Only when visibility drops below 100 metres, and turn them off once visibility improves.
• Drive slowly and steadily: Keep a consistent speed but avoid going too slow, which can surprise other drivers.
• Increase following distance: Leave plenty of space between you and the car ahead. Drivers may stop suddenly in fog.
• Demist your windows: Use air conditioning or slightly open a window to keep glass clear.
• Listen, not just look: Turn off the radio and open a window slightly to hear approaching traffic.
• Be cautious at junctions: In dense fog, roll down your window and listen for other vehicles if visibility is near zero.

🚗 Tip: Visibility can be particularly poor early mornings around the Faversham marshes and Rochester town centre. Always stay alert.

Foggy mornings ahead? Make sure your tyres are in top condition. Book a mobile tyre check with Falcon Mobile Tyres!

How to Drive Safely in Snow in Kent and Southeast London

Snow may not be frequent in South East London or Kent, but when it falls, it often causes chaos — especially on the hilly roads around Tunbridge Wells and Orpington.

Here is how to stay safe:

Before You Travel

• Plan your route: Stick to major roads through Sittingbourne, Maidstone, and other towns where roads are more likely to be gritted.
• Check your tyres: Winter tyres or all-season tyres with good tread are crucial for snowy conditions.
• Carry an emergency kit: Include a torch, blanket, water, food, shovel, and a fully charged phone.
• Check the weather forecast: Snow can cause sudden road closures, particularly around Sevenoaks’ rural lanes.

While Driving

• Start slowly: In snow, gentle acceleration is key to avoid skidding.
• Increase following distance: Leave up to ten seconds of stopping distance between you and the car ahead.
• Use low gears: Helps maintain better control, especially on hills like those found near Orpington and Tunbridge Wells.
• Brake gently: If you start to skid, steer into it rather than away.
• Avoid sudden movements: Turn, accelerate, and brake slowly and smoothly.
• Watch for black ice: Especially early mornings near rivers in Rochester or Faversham.
• Do not spin your wheels: If stuck, gently rock the car back and forth.

Why Tyre Safety Matters in All Weather Conditions

In rain, fog, or snow, your tyres are your only contact with the road. Worn or incorrectly inflated tyres massively reduce your control, braking distance, and safety.

At Falcon Mobile Tyres, we provide:

• 24/7 mobile tyre fitting across South East London and Kent
• Emergency tyre repairs in Rochester, Maidstone, Sittingbourne, and more
• Tyre health checks and replacements
• Winter tyre options for safer winter driving

Stay safe in any weather. Call Falcon Mobile Tyres now for fast mobile tyre fitting!

Final Thoughts How to Drive Safely in Kent and Southeast London

Driving safely in rain, fog, and snow requires preparation, patience, and caution — especially when navigating the unique roads of South East London, Kent, Rochester, Faversham, Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Sittingbourne, Orpington, and Sevenoaks.

By following the tips above and ensuring your vehicle is in good condition, you can minimize your risks and drive confidently, whatever the weather throws at you.

🛞 Ready for any weather? Contact Falcon Mobile Tyres today and make sure your tyres are ready for rain, fog, or snow!