subject: 7 Ways To Avoid Tire Traction Loss During Wet Weather [print this page] When road surfaces are wet, tires can skidWhen road surfaces are wet, tires can skid. The tires also hydroplane which is the effect of tires not having contact with the surface hence riding or skiing over a film of water. During wet conditions, tires loose control of traction. When the tires fail to channel water away through the treads, a barrier is caused by the tires hence traction is lost. For better traction during wet conditions here are a few steps to follow.
1.Use a tread depth indicator to measure tire tread depth of your tires. On the tires flat surface, place the gauge pin while making sure the gauge shoulder rests on the tread. The increments are read in thousands of an inch. If you live in an area with lots of rainfall, a set of all season tires will do the trick.
2.Drive under the specified speed limits. Ensure there is a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you. When driving at high speeds, apply longer and firmer brake pressure. If the surface is wet, traction and hydroplane is lost.
3.Cruise control is not recommended during wet weather. The tires could loose traction during cruise control causing the vehicle to accelerate. This is because the vehicles computer reads an rpm reduction. During cruise control, feet can be away from the accelerator and brake pedals. This is dangerous during wet surfaces.
4.To make sure braking traction is maintained while approaching intersections, stop signs, curves and forward traffic, decelerate. Its advisable to decelerate in advance to avoid crashing into other vehicles. Large vehicles usually leave large spray trails hence keep your distance to prevent your wheels from accumulating water under them. Abrupt or jerky movements on the brake pedal and accelerator cause loss of traction and start a hydroplane slip instantly.
5.To check for proper inflation, use the tire gauge. The owners manual will give you the pressure thats recommended for both the front and rear tires. Inflate the tires at a service station to the proper pressure. Avoid under inflating or over inflating since these causes loss of traction and is unsafe during wet conditions.
6.To ensure maximum traction when approaching sharp curves and bends, steer and brake with a light touch. When you loose traction and start skidding, release the accelerator and turn the wheel in your destined direction. This allows the front and rear of your car to come back in line. If your vehicle has ABS installed, brake firmly and turn the wheel into the skid. The ABS will apply correct brake pressure so that traction is regained. If your vehicle does not have ABS, braking will cause lock up.
7.The ABS should be functioning properly as you drive on wet surfaces. If an ABS warning light shows on your dash, do not drive. The ABS system has wheel sensor data that automatically adjusts traction loss. It monitors brake pressure when needed, adjusts engine power and rpm.
