Driving in rain Tire Care

Rainy weather can affect how your car performs safely, in various ways. Driving is most damaging and unsafe in the rain or snow. The most essential parts of your car that are designed for your protection during driving in these wet conditions are the car tires, the windshield wiper blades and visibility (i.e. headlights and windshield condition), and the seatbelts of the vehicle.  Any damage or unsafe operations of these things are quite risky and can result in extreme danger when driving in wet or less than favorable conditions. If your car tires, windshield wiper blades, windshield condition and headlights are not doing their job appropriately, this is a result of poor maintenance. Road conditions can also play a huge role in the dangers of driving in the west season; however there is little that an individual can do to make road conditions safer, other than to maintain their own cars’ safety functions through proper tire and car care. If possible, have your tires inspected and maintained or replaced by a mechanic at a local car repair shop before the unsafe weather conditions come.

Your first defense for safe driving during wet weather is your tire maintenance.
Begin with a visual inspection of each tire. Look for things such as bulges or balloons in the rubber, thin tread, bald spots in the tire tread, cuts, debris stuck in the tread or directly into the rubber (such as nails). Move your car back approximately twelve inches; now inspect the areas that you couldn’t see when the car was parked. Check not only the tread but the outside rubber. Visual inspections of any damages on your tires can save you both the time and costs associated with a long car stay in a car repair shop.

You should rotate your car tires if you spot any signs of wear on the tires tread and if it has been awhile since your last tire rotation, rotate your tires as soon as possible. It is recommended to rotate your tires ever 7,500 miles.

Another car care tip for your car tires is to check the tire pressure monthly or sooner, if possible. You cars’ owners’ manual will tell you the precise and accurate amount of pressure required. Buy a tire gauge, if you do not already own one. This will be very helpful in applying the appropriate amount of tire pressure, without exceeding pressure limits. When preparing your car for wet conditions, inspecting the tire tread is of utmost importantance. If the tread is too thin or worn down it can cause your car to ‘hydroplane’ or slide on the wet road. A deeper and thicker tread will repel the road water and allow for appropriate traction, without worry of hydroplaning and sliding.