Does Driving Resistance Increase or Decrease in Rainy Weather?

[DeJoshua]

Driving resistance decreases in rainy weather. The main factors affecting safe driving during rainy days are as follows: Obstructed visibility. Slippery road surfaces. Reduced adhesion. Decreased friction. Here are some additional details: If it has just stopped raining heavily and the road has been dried by the sun, this provides the best friction performance. When driving in the rain, obstructed visibility and slippery road surfaces reduce wheel adhesion sharply as speed increases, making the wheels prone to skidding. At high speeds, vehicles are also susceptible to "hydroplaning," so it is essential to control your speed appropriately.

[Ken]

Over the years of driving, I've noticed a significant increase in driving resistance during rainy conditions. When the roads are wet and slippery, the frictional resistance between the tires and the wet surface becomes much greater. I remember driving on the highway during heavy rain last year—pressing the accelerator felt more strenuous, the engine was humming louder, and fuel consumption increased noticeably. Normally, driving 100 kilometers would consume about 8 liters of fuel, but on rainy days, it could rise to over 9 liters. This resistance doesn't just affect fuel efficiency; it also leads to longer braking distances and a higher risk of skidding. I would recommend checking the tire tread depth and ensuring proper tire pressure before driving, as this can help reduce resistance. Always slow down and drive cautiously in the rain—safety comes first.

[LaOlivia]

As someone who frequently studies automotive principles, I believe that increased driving resistance in rainy conditions is due to rainwater altering the road surface's friction coefficient. On dry roads, tire rolling resistance is minimal, but rainwater forms a thin film between the tires and the road, increasing viscous resistance. This forces the tires to expend more energy to propel the wheels forward, resulting in higher resistance and fuel consumption. In reality, rainwater can also trigger hydroplaning effects, making the resistance even more pronounced. Drivers may notice slower acceleration and increased fuel usage, which serves as evidence of heightened resistance. To mitigate this, choosing wide-tread tires can reduce resistance risks, and extra caution should be exercised to avoid high-speed driving through puddles.

[VonFinley]

From a safety perspective, it's certain that driving in the rain increases resistance. When encountering wet road surfaces, I've experienced the car feeling heavy at the front, struggling to move forward, with slower brake response and increased skidding risk. The heightened resistance extends braking distance, raising the danger of rear-end collisions if the car ahead brakes suddenly. This resistance not only physically intensifies but also adds psychological stress, making driving more tense. I remember being stuck in a traffic jam during a heavy rainstorm on the highway—pressing the accelerator felt like trudging through mud, wasting fuel and increasing danger. So the increased resistance during rainy conditions is an objective reality. I always remind myself to switch to rain tires and maintain a safe following distance to reduce risks and ensure a safe journey.