During the monsoon season or rainy days, the UK experiences an increase in road accidents. It happens due to slippery roads and reduced visibility. Visibility can be improved with the headlights, and for slippery roads, using appropriate tyres is the only way. Investing in the right tyres in Hartlepool ensures accurate wet braking even on slippery roads, preventing accidents. If you are a novice in the driving world, it is crucial to gather ample information regarding wet braking and its key impacts to maintain the highest road safety.
What is Wet Braking?
Wet braking is the process of applying the brakes to stop the car on a wet or slippery road surface. It is quite different from using brakes in regular conditions because traction is significantly reduced on wet roads. This impacts braking performance.
On dry roads, tyres have much more grip and encounter much more friction with the road. Hence, the brakes do not need to work hard to stop the car. However, in wet weather conditions, the layer of liquid between the road and the tyre reduces traction, making it harder for your braking system to stop.
What are the Factors that Impact Wet Braking?
Tyre Conditions
Tyre condition plays a crucial role in determining the level of wet braking performance. If your tyre is overinflated, you’ll have less contact with the road. It makes it harder to brake safely. The underinflated tyres get the best contact with the road and contribute to faster and safer brakes.
The tread depth also impacts the wet braking. If the tread depth is too shallow, your car will take longer to come to a complete stop. It increases the risk of accidents on wet roads and contributes to slipping away,
Road Surface
Materials of the road, its drainage efficiency, and debris on it also play a crucial role in wet braking. For example, smooth concrete roads are commonly slippery. During the monsoon, the roads become more slippery, contributing to an increase in accidents. On the other hand, asphalt has better water-draining properties.
Nevertheless, the situation can worsen if the road surface has debris and oil on it. When rainwater mixes with oil and dirt, it creates a slick layer on the road, especially after the first rainfall following a dry spell. This thick layer will significantly reduce traction, making braking less effective.
Vehicle Speed
Only a good tyre or road can save your life completely. You must drive cautiously and at a moderate speed. High vehicle speed makes it difficult to use brakes due to the high momentum. When you’re travelling at high speeds in wet conditions, your tyres may lose contact with the road entirely, resulting in you gliding on water or ‘hydroplaning’. In this condition, regaining control is impossible until the tyres come in touch with the road again.
While driving, focusing on controlling the speed is not enough. You must maintain a gap from the cars ahead of you. This is because, during the wet season, braking distance grows exponentially. Lower gaps can be a reason for clashes and accidents.
Being prepared during wet conditions is crucial for safe driving. If you are unsure about the right tyre or your tyre condition, consult a professional for guidance.
At RS Alloy Refurb, we specialise in repairing and refurbishing alloy wheels. We have been serving this industry for 27 years now and take pride in delivering the best at the most affordable rates.
Contact us to book your tyre-checking session now.