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Before you go driving in the rain, make sure your vehicle is equipped for the job. Here are some tips for handling wet weather driving.

AIR PRESSURE & WET PERFORMANCE
Tyre air pressure has a big impact on how your tyres perform in the rain. For this reason, we recommend checking your air pressure once a month, and before any long trips. For the best performance, you should set your tyres to the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure.

TREAD DEPTH & WET ROADS
Having sufficient tread depth allows your tyres to perform their best, particularly in wet weather. Check your tread depth at least once a month, and before long trips. Tyres typically begin seeing a noticeable decline in wet weather traction below 6/32nds of tread depth. Tyres below 4/32nds of tread depth will see an even greater decline in wet weather traction ability.

DRIVING IN THE RAIN
Driving in the rain increases the risk of hydroplaning and potential loss of control. Some tips to consider:

  • REDUCE YOUR VEHICLE SPEED: Reducing your speed can have a significant impact on your control of the vehicle. We recommend driving under the speed limit, using slow and steady maneuvers, and avoid any sudden stops, starts, or turns.
  • INCREASE THE DISTANCE BETWEEN YOU AND OTHER CARS: Increasing the driving distance between you and the vehicle in front of you can help you avoid collisions. Should you need to make any sudden maneuvers, the extra distance should provide you with the space to do so.
  • AVOID STANDING WATER: When driving in wet or rainy conditions, avoid standing water at all costs. It is often difficult to tell just how deep the water is, and standing water greatly increases your risk of hydroplaning. If you cannot avoid driving through standing water, go as slow as possible to reduce your risk of hydroplaning.
  • USE YOUR HEADLIGHTS: Rain can obstruct yours and other driver’s line of sight, making use of the headlights not only help you see, it helps other drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians see you. Be sure not to use your high beams in the rain, as they can scatter light and actually reduce visibility. A good rule of thumb is; turn on your headlights if you are using your windshield wipers.
  • USE WELL-MAINTAINED WINDSHIELD WIPERS: Visibility is fundamental to safe driving. Wiper blades help clear away rain, but many drivers wait to replace them until they need them the most. Windshield wipers should be maintained and replaced regularly so they are ready for use when needed. When wiper blades no longer make proper contact with the windshield surface, they can begin to squeak, chatter, skip, smear or streak reducing driving visibility. Be sure to look out for these signs to know when to replace your wiper blades.
  • AVOID DRIVING IN SEVERE WEATHER: If the wet weather becomes severe, it is best to avoid travel if possible.

Speak to a Tyre expert @ Tyre Empire for advice and expert fitting services, call us on 9008000000 or schedule a visit today for a Tyre Safety Check!

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