Final answer:
It's best to avoid driving through puddles in rainy conditions because they can hide potholes, possibly flood your engine, and the resulting spray can reduce visibility for other drivers. Oil and gasoline on the road can also reduce traction, especially in light rain.
Step-by-step explanation:
You should avoid driving through puddles in rainy conditions for several important reasons. Puddles can hide potentially damaging potholes, which, when hit at speed, can damage your vehicle. Moreover, deep puddles have the potential to flood your engine, causing it to stall and possibly sustain long-term damage. Additionally, driving through puddles can create a significant spray that obscures the vision of other drivers, increasing the risk of accidents. Importantly, when it rains, oil and gasoline that have leaked onto the road can create a thin layer on the surface that substantially reduces traction. In light rain, this can make the road particularly slippery, while heavy rain can disperse the oil, minimising but not eliminating the risk. Accordingly, to maintain control of your vehicle and ensure the safety of yourself and others, it's best to avoid puddles during adverse weather conditions.