Driving with tires in good condition can make all the difference when tackling a wet track or in pouring rain.
“It’s the waters of March that close the summer…”, as the classic song written by Tom Jobim goes. The month of March closes the summer in the southern hemisphere, but with this end of the cycle there is a danger for the driver: the rain, often abundant in this period of the year. Therefore, being very careful with your tires can be a crucial factor when carrying out a maneuver that can get you out of a dangerous situation.
Pirelli explains that when developing a motorcycle or car tyre, one of the most important aspects taken into consideration is performance in the rain. Years of engineering work are invested for this, defining parameters such as construction techniques, material used, tread pattern, among others. All aspects are essential to obtain an excellent result.
“Driving on city streets or highways can be very pleasant, but in wet conditions, you have to be very careful and make sure your tires are properly inflated to work properly. At first it is important to check the correct pressure in your vehicle. You can find this information in the manual or, in the case of cars, on the fuel filler neck or driver’s door jamb. It is essential to calibrate the tires cold and on a weekly basis to obtain the ideal result”, explains Roberto Falkenstein, consultant in the innovative technologies area of Pirelli.
It’s also important to check the TWI, marks at the bottom of tire grooves that indicate tire wear, to make sure they aren’t about to be replaced. This is especially important during this time of year, as it’s crucial that your tires are able to drain water well.
If you have any doubts about this, consult a qualified professional to make sure that your tire is in good condition.
“Another point that deserves attention is the care of the vehicle’s suspension and brakes. Having a well aligned car and a well balanced wheel can make all the difference. Even while driving, extreme caution is essential. In heavy rain, reduce your speed, increase your distance from other vehicles, and maintain alertness. Avoid abrupt changes of direction, braking or acceleration. The more prudence, the better,” adds the consultant.
The combination of heavy rainfall as well as puddles of water, dirt and oil from other vehicles can create conditions conducive to aquaplaning. If this happens, to avoid an accident, it is essential to keep your hands firmly on the wheel without steering, as the car will not obey the wheel when hydroplaning.
The driver can neither accelerate nor brake, letting the vehicle naturally regain control. If the rain is very heavy, don’t stop on the shoulder and don’t turn on your hazard lights while you’re on the move. Find a gas station or other safe place as soon as possible.
While the rains can be frightening for some motorists, it’s important to approach them with care and respect. With the correct, well-inflated tires on a serviced vehicle, the result will be top-notch performance coupled with maximum safety.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
