Driving in the rain can be dangerous; in fact thousands of car accidents each year are caused by wet driving conditions. It doesn’t have to be this way though. We have a few simple tips to help you navigate wet roads this season.
What are the best tires for rain? Tire that are properly maintained. To ensure tires are working at theirbest, make sure you implement a maintenance routine that includesthe following:
Checking for propertire inflation. The correct air pressure for your tires is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and can be found on the vehicle door edge, door post, glove box door or fuel door. It is also listed in the owner's manual. The number listed on the side of the tire is not the recommended air pressure for your tire -- it is the maximum air pressure for the tire. You should check your tire's air pressure at least once a month. It takes five minutes and will save you money and headaches down the road.
Checking thetread depth. Tires should have 1/16 inch tread depth in order to perform the in the way for which they were designed. Proper tread depth will help prevent skids and hydroplaning.
Rotatingtires.Have your tires rotated at least every 6,000 - 7,000 miles. This will aid in detecting alignment problems and help prevent irregular wear.
When it comes to driving tips for wet roads, remember the following:
Slow Down - As rain falls, it mixes with grime and oil on the road creating slick conditions perfect for skids. The best way to avoid skidding is to slow down. Driving at a slower pace allows more of the tire's tread to make contact with the road, which leads to better traction.
Keep a Safe Distance - It takes about three times longer to break on wet roads than on dry roads. Since more distance is required to brake, it is important not to tailgate. Keep more than two car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Recover From a Skid - Skids can even happen to the most cautious drivers. If your car does skid, remember not to slam on the brakes, and do not pump the brakes if you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS). Instead apply pressure to the brakes in a firm manner and steer the car in the direction of the skid.
Recover from Hydroplaning - When it rains, water creates a barrier between the road and your tires. The liquid film that forms can cause you to lose traction and glide or hydroplane across the water's surface. If this happens, do not brake. It is better to take your foot off the gas, hold the steering wheel in place, and lightly apply the brakes. If you have a manual transmission, push in the clutch and let the car slow down on its own.
Technology that helps
Believe it or not, tires are full of technology to help you navigate any weather situation. When it comes to wet roads, Continental Tire offers several award-winning technologies to help you monitor tire wear, stop shorter on wet roads, and provide the confidence you need to get from point A to point B. Take a look at a few of our technologies:
Quick View Indicators – Include the Alignment Verification System and Tuned Performance Indicators. Continental’s Alignment Verification System provides an early warning system to drivers alerting them to have the alignment checked on their vehicle. Drivers will also receive an extra measure of confidence with the inclusion of Tuned Performance Indicators. The Dry, Wet and Snow letters in the tread indicate the tire’s optimal performance levels in a variety of driving conditions, including wet.
SportPlusTechnology - Is designed for precise handling; security on wet, slippery roads; and excellent tread life. Additionally, all-season traction is enhanced through the use of Traction Grooves and X-Sipes. Traction Grooves improve snow performance through increased pattern edges while X-Sipes improve braking, cornering and acceleration in wet, snow and ice. Found in the ExtremeContactSport-02 and ExtremeContactDWS06Plus.
EcoPlusTechnology - improves treadwear and fuel efficiency while enhancing grip on wet roads promoting a shorter stopping distance. Found in the PureContact LS, TrueContact Tour, and CrossContactLX25.
FAQs
Slow Down - As rain falls, it mixes with grime and oil on the road creating slick conditions perfect for skids. The best way to avoid skidding is to slow down. Driving at a slower pace allows more of the tire's tread to make contact with the road, which leads to better traction.
How can you get better traction on wet roads? ›
Slow Down - As rain falls, it mixes with grime and oil on the road creating slick conditions perfect for skids. The best way to avoid skidding is to slow down. Driving at a slower pace allows more of the tire's tread to make contact with the road, which leads to better traction.
What is a good tip for driving in rain? ›
Slow Down and Leave Room
Slowing down during wet weather driving can be critical to reducing a car's chance of hydroplaning, when the tires rise up on a film of water. With as little as 1/12 inch of water on the road, tires have to displace a gallon of water per second to keep the rubber meeting the road.
Is it harder to drive on wet roads? ›
Because you have less traction in wet conditions, you are more prone to hydroplaning. This means the car loses traction to the road and skids on the water. The best way to avoid this is by exercising proper acceleration and braking techniques so you maintain control of the car.
How fast should you drive on a wet road? ›
You should reduce your speed by 1/3 on wet roads and by 1/2 or more on snow packed roads. If you would normally be traveling at a speed of 60 mph on dry pavement, then on a wet road you should reduce your speed to 40 mph, and on a snow-packed road you should reduce your speed to 30 mph.
Why are my tires not gripping in the rain? ›
Hydroplaning happens when the tires on your vehicle lose their grip on a road surface and instead travel on a film of water sitting on top of the road. Hydroplaning dramatically reduces a driver's ability to steer and brake.
What to do when skidding on wet road? ›
Recover From a Skid - Skids can even happen to the most cautious drivers. If your car does skid, remember not to slam on the brakes, and do not pump the brakes if you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS). Instead apply pressure to the brakes in a firm manner and steer the car in the direction of the skid.
Is it better to drive fast or slow in rain? ›
First, drive slower.
Reduced speed will give you more time to react to potentially dangerous situations and will enable to you brake safely. It's easier to see through your windshield in the rain when you're driving slower and you'll be able to avoid road hazards and flooding.
At what speed does your car begin to hydroplane? ›
Vehicles typically hydroplane at approximately 35 miles per hour, so it's best to limit your speed when driving, especially on wet terrain. Experts recommend driving 5-10 miles below the road's speed limit to avoid getting into an accident.
Why does my car slide on wet roads? ›
Hydroplaning occurs when a tire encounters more water than it can scatter. Water pressure in the front of the wheel pushes water under the tire, and the tire is then separated from the road surface by a thin film of water and loses traction. The result is loss of steering, braking and power control.
First, do not brake or accelerate suddenly. Since hydroplaning is a loss of traction to the front tires sudden braking slows the front tires but locks the rear tires which can cause a spin out.
What should you do to avoid hydroplaning? ›
The following are important tips to avoid hydroplaning:
- Keep your tires properly inflated.
- Rotate and replace tires when necessary.
- Slow down when roads are wet: the faster you drive, the harder it is for your tires to scatter the water.
- Stay away from puddles and standing water.
If you are losing traction, either take your foot off the gas pedal or keep it steady. Nothing gets you stuck quicker than gunning the engine, which only makes your tires spin faster and your ruts deeper. 3. Drive so your tires ride the high areas of the road, not the ruts.
What is the best way to keep traction and avoid hydroplaning on wet roads? ›
The following are important tips to avoid hydroplaning:
Rotate and replace tires when necessary. Slow down when roads are wet: the faster you drive, the harder it is for your tires to scatter the water. Stay away from puddles and standing water. Avoid driving in outer lanes where water tends to accumulate.
How can you prevent skidding when driving on wet pavement always? ›
Slippery Surface Skids
Drive slowly and leave space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. To prevent skidding on slippery surfaces: Slow down as you approach intersections and curves. For sharp curves, slow down as you approach and move through.
How can you reduce the chances of hydroplaning when roads are wet? ›
Slow down and pay attention
The risk of hydroplaning increases at higher speeds. When the road is wet, moderate your speed and consider driving below the speed limit. If you're driving in the rain or on a road that hasn't yet had time to fully dry, pay close attention to the road surface.
How do you get up a slippery road? ›
Put your car in low gear, usually 2, that will allow you to be “slightly” firm on the gas, and go slowly up the hill. It is best, of course, to have all-weather tires, chains, depending upon the thickness of the ice and snow.
