What Causes Tire Slippage on Rainy Days?
2 Answers
Rainy days make tires prone to slipping primarily due to severe tire wear. The relevant explanations are as follows: 1. Causes: Severe tire wear causes the grooves of the tire tread to become shallow, reducing drainage efficiency. This forms a water film between the tire and the road surface, making the tire more likely to slip. Improper driving maneuvers can easily lead to vehicle skidding or loss of control. Therefore, when driving in the rain, avoid excessive speed or abrupt actions; instead, slow down and drive safely. 2. Precautions: Rainy conditions can obstruct visibility, and the road surface becomes slippery. Pay attention to maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead to ensure safe driving. Try to maintain a steady speed when driving in the rain, and control the throttle smoothly—avoid sudden acceleration by stomping on the gas pedal or abrupt deceleration by lifting off the throttle. In case of minor skidding, adjust the throttle promptly.
On rainy days, tire slippage mainly occurs because rainwater makes the road surface slippery, reducing the friction between the tires and the road. If the tires themselves are severely worn with shallow treads, their water drainage effect becomes poor, allowing water to accumulate under the tires and form a thin film of water, leading to slippage. Driving too fast is also a common cause, as high speeds over waterlogged areas prevent the tires from draining water in time, causing them to hydroplane, similar to skiing. Tire pressure is another issue—too high or too low can affect grip, making driving in the rain even more dangerous if the tires aren’t properly inflated. I’ve driven such cars several times, and every rainy day, I remind myself to slow down to a safe speed, avoid deep water areas, and regularly check tire wear to reduce the risk of accidents. Additionally, oil spills or fallen leaves on the road can worsen the situation, so extra caution is needed when driving in the rain.