How tyres behave in wet conditions?

by Rik Fit Rikfit Autocentre

Tyres not only move the vehicle from one place to the other but they ensure smooth driving and optimum control. Tyres provide proper grip and traction on varied road surfaces. The role of tyres is crucial when you are trying to control your vehicle on an uneven road since the tyres have to struggle more to provide grip on these surfaces.

Car drivers face problems while they run their vehicles on snow, mud, rocks, or sand. However, wet conditions seem to be one of the most challenging issues for car drivers. Getting proper traction on wet roads is never easy for tyres. Therefore, a car driver may face issues like hydroplaning at any time while driving the vehicle.

What is hydroplaning?

While your tyres run on wet roads, it may create a layer between the tyre and road surface. As a result, the level of friction will come at zero levels and your car will skid on the road. The severity of hydroplaning depends on several factors.

Air pressure is vital to consider since over-inflation or under-inflation both will cause uncomfortable drive when you try to cross a puddle of water. Tread depth is another crucial factor. Driving on wet roads with improper tread depth is a clear invitation to hydroplaning.

The road surface is also considered to measure the effects of hydroplaning. Suppose you are driving, the speed of the car is also important. A vehicle at high speed is more likely to skid due to hydroplaning. Tyre manufacturers consider all these factors before they make rain-friendly tyres.

How are tyres important in the rainy season?

Tyres are extremely important when you drive your car on wet roads. Tyre makers design the tyre pattern wisely to ensure proper water dispersal ability. Rain tyres have deeper grooves that are essential to make proper friction on wet roads.

The tread pattern in rain tyres has smaller grooves called sipes. These sips play a vital role in removing most of the water from the tyres to keep you always safe on watery roads. Tyres have different tread patterns like directional, Symmetrical, or asymmetrical.

How can you help your tyres?

Tyre manufacturers make suitable tyres for different weather conditions. However, you have to improve your driving style as well to reduce the adverse effects.

Consider the following tips to be safe on the roads.

Drive your vehicle slowly:

Your tyres will suffer more on wet roads if you drive your vehicle at high speed. Hydroplaning usually takes place at a high speed. So, you should control your vehicle optimally in rainy months by decreasing its speed.

Maintain safe distance:

Braking distance is a common feature that depends on your Continental Tyres Birmingham. In wet conditions, your tyres will be a little bit late to stop your vehicle completely. Therefore, you have to keep your vehicle away from the vehicle in front of you.

Ensure correct inflation in your tyres:

Help your tyres to perform optimally in wet conditions by properly inflating them. Proper inflation is necessary for both dry and wet conditions but you cannot afford improper inflation in unfavourable road conditions. Therefore, you must check the air pressure in your tyres when you have to drive on the water in rainy months.

Buy appropriate tyres:

If you have to drive your vehicle in rainy weather, it is a good idea to buy tyres suitable for rain. Today’s manufacturers make tyres for every season. You can choose your ideal tyres with the help of your tyre dealer.

If you have appropriate Car Tyres Birmingham with you in the rainy season, your chances to overcome hydroplaning are higher. But you cannot eliminate the chances completely since a lot of factors work while your vehicle skids on roads.

Moreover, you have to look at your driving style as well. Fast and careless driving will increase the chances of failure of your tyres even if you buy the tyres from a trusted and leading brand.