Driving during heavy rains can be just as dangerous as driving on ice covered roads.
New research from AAA reveals that driving on relatively worn tires at highway speeds in wet conditions can increase average stopping distances by a staggering 43 percent, more than the length of a semi-trailer truck, when compared to new tires.
With nearly 800,000 crashes occurring on wet roads each year, AAA urges drivers to check tread depth, replace tires proactively, and increase following distances significantly during rainy conditions.
AAA offers these precautionary tips:
Inflate the tires to the recommended setting outlined on the tire information placard found most often on the driver's door jam or the vehicles owner's manual.
Check the tires monthly. Tires will typically lose up to 1 psi per month, and pressure drops about 1 psi for every 10-degree drop in air temperature.
Buy a good tire gauge. It's also a good idea to buy a portable compressor that works off of your car's power outlet; available at many auto parts stores.
Consult a trained service technician if you find you're always adding air to one particular tire, it might be a slow leak.
In wet conditions, tires can completely lose contact with the road and skid, also known as hydroplaning. The depth of a tire's tread plays a significant role: the lower the tread depth, the more likely a car will hydroplane.
AAA recommends the following precautions for drivers navigating rain soaked roads:
Avoid the use of cruise control in order to respond quickly if the car loses traction with the road.
