Tyre care and maintenance tips in the rainy season

In rainy weather, driving conditions can become pretty dangerous. Water creates a barrier between the road and your tyres meaning you can loose traction and hydroplane. Thousands of accidents occur each year because of the wet roads but these numbers can be reduced with a little preparation. Here are a number of ways you can drive safely and ensure that your car has been checked over before driving in wet conditions.

Safe driving

Whilst driving in wet conditions try and drive at slow speeds and keep a distance from the next vehicle on the road. If your car begins losing traction, take your foot off the gas, hold the steering wheel in place and lightly press the brakes.

Make sure you have the correct tyres

Tyres have a lot to do with staying safe whilst the roads are wet. Wet roads reduce the friction between the road and your tyres. Before heading out, check your tyres by looking for proper tyre tread depth and inflation.

Tread depth

Tyres should have more than 2/32-inch tread depth. You can do this by using a tread depth gauge.

Tire inflation

Check your vehicle manufacturers recommendations for tyre pressure. This information may be on a label affixed to the drivers door or in the owners manual.

Check tyre pressure

Tyre pressure should be checked every month, you should check them when the tyres are cold which is best if the car hasn’t been driven for three hours.

To shop for budget or premium tyres, visit Headley Tyres, Basingstoke Branch and get the pair of tyres that best meets your needs.

Pull over

If the downpour or spray is so heavy that you can’t see the road properly or vehicles in front of you then stop driving. Pull off the road as far as possible, turn your hazards on and wait for the downpour to finish.

Check your windscreen wipers

Make sure your windscreen wipers are clean and functioning properly so you can still see clearly on the roads. Replace windscreen wipers that leave streaks or don’t fully clear the windscreen. Also check your washer reservoir bottle is full with washer solvent too.