Mastering the Monsoon: Stay in Control with These Tips to Prevent Bike Skidding

The wet roads, slippery surfaces, and reduced visibility pose significant risks, making bike skidding a common occurrence during the monsoon.

• Skidding during the rainy season might have a long-term psychological impact on riders.
• Even if you are travelling at the slowest possible speed, skidding is a natural occurrence with most two-wheelers.
• On a daily basis, the increase in the number of two-wheelers on the road has increased traffic and the number of accidents caused by skidding.

The monsoon season brings with it the refreshing scent of rain, the lush greenery, and the cool breeze. However, for bikers, this season can be a challenging one. Only bikers understand the absolute joy of riding a bike out in the open. 

However, if one has to brake suddenly or make a sharp turn, they may experience moments of anxiety. The simple explanation for this is that when performing such emergency braking or quick bends, the chances of the bike skidding are extremely considerable. 

Understanding the most common reasons of bike skidding during the monsoon season, as well as practising good control techniques, is critical for a safe and smooth ride. Following can help you achieve that:

Wet Roads

One of the primary causes of bike skidding in the monsoon is wet roads. When rainwater mixes with oil, dust, and grime on the road surface, it creates a slippery film, reducing the friction between the tires and the road. This lack of traction can lead to skidding, especially when applying brakes or making sharp turns.

To control bike skidding on wet roads, it is crucial to adjust your riding style. Firstly, maintain a steady and moderate speed, allowing sufficient time to react to any obstacles or sudden changes on the road. Secondly, avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or sharp turns, as these actions can cause the tires to lose grip. Finally, keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead to allow for better braking and maneuvering.

Puddles and Standing Water

Puddles and standing water are widespread on highways during the rainy season. While they may appear to be innocuous, they can hold concealed threats beneath their surface. Potholes, loose gravel, or debris could be hidden beneath the surface of the water, creating a major risk to bikers. Riding through puddles without attention can result in hydroplaning, which occurs when the tyres lose touch with the road and skid.

Use caution and the following tips to avoid skidding caused by puddles and standing water. Before cycling across puddles, approach them gently and try to evaluate their depth. Second, avoid rapid manoeuvres or braking when passing through a puddle, as this might cause the bike to become unstable. Furthermore, having a firm grip on the handlebars and riding straight

Inadequate Tyre Thread

Tyre condition is critical for maintaining traction and preventing sliding. During the rains, worn-out tyres with insufficient tread depth are especially risky. The ability of the tyre to displace water and keep touch with the road surface decreases when the tread wears down, considerably increasing the danger of sliding.

To prevent skidding caused by insufficient tyre tread, inspect your tyres on a regular basis and replace them when they show indications of wear. Check that the tyres have enough tread depth to offer proper traction on wet areas. Consider choosing tyres made specifically for wet situations, as they offer superior traction and are less prone to sliding.

Inadequate Braking Technique

Another typical cause of bike sliding during the monsoon is insufficient braking technique. Sudden or hard braking might lock the wheels, forcing them to slide on the wet surface and cause skidding. Similarly, heavy or uneven front brake use might cause the bike to lose balance and slide.

It is critical to use good braking technique to preserve control. Brake gradually and evenly, applying both the front and rear brakes at the same time. This approach more uniformly distributes braking power, allowing for better control and lowering the likelihood of skidding. Maintain a safe distance from vehicles ahead to allow for adequate reaction time and to avoid sudden or panic braking situations.

Reduced Visibility

The monsoon season is notorious for reducing visibility owing to heavy rain, fog, or mist. Poor vision not only makes it difficult to see the road ahead, but it also makes it harder for other drivers to see you. Accidents and skidding mishaps may occur as a result of this heightened vulnerability.

To fight poor visibility, make sure your bike has working lighting and taillights. Use them on a regular basis, even throughout the day, to increase your visibility to other road users. Wear luminous or brightly coloured apparel to boost your visibility even more. Riding with your headlights on low beam and utilising indicators far ahead of time will also assist other vehicles in anticipating your movements and reducing the likelihood of skidding.

In conclusion, bike skidding during the rain can be a dangerous event, but it can be avoided with awareness and caution. Wet roads, puddles, insufficient tyre wear, poor braking technique and poor visibility are all major causes of skidding. 

Bikers can control sliding occurrences and ensure a safe and comfortable ride during the monsoon by modifying riding styles, maintaining suitable tyre tread, practising effective braking methods and improving visibility. Remember that safety should always come first, and adopting the required steps can make all the difference in avoiding accidents and staying in control on wet roads.