Why can't the brakes hold in rainy weather?
3 Answers
In rainy weather, the brakes may not hold effectively because the roads become slippery, reducing tire traction and significantly diminishing braking performance. Here are the key points: 1. Precautions: When driving in the rain, the first step is to reduce your speed and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. If encountering standing water on the road, reduce speed to 20~30 km/h. Speed reduction should primarily be achieved by easing off the accelerator and gently applying the brakes—avoid sudden braking whenever possible. Additionally, ensure the air conditioning is functioning well, as rain can easily cause fogging on windows, and the AC is the most effective way to clear it quickly. 2. Challenges of rainy driving: The biggest difficulty in rainy conditions is poor visibility due to lower light levels. Adverse driving conditions can impair a driver's reaction time, and driving too close to the vehicle ahead can cause water spray to obscure the windshield. Therefore, maintain a greater following distance than usual. Some drivers, upon seeing standing water, immediately brake hard and swerve, which can confuse following drivers and lead to accidents. In reality, water depths up to 120mm can typically be traversed at normal speeds. When driving through water, control the throttle smoothly—avoid sudden acceleration, which can increase water resistance, cause tire slippage, or even lead to water ingestion by the engine.
I remember last summer during a heavy rainstorm, I almost rear-ended someone on the highway because the brakes just wouldn't grip. A thin film of water formed on the road surface, and the tires couldn't get traction—it felt like sliding on ice. My car was relatively new, but the tires were a bit worn, with treads not deep enough to channel the water away. Later, when I took it in for inspection, the technician explained that wet brake discs can cause slipping, and the temperature changes from rainwater can affect brake pad performance. It gets even worse if the tire pressure is too low or too high. In rainy conditions, it's best to drive slower, maintain a longer following distance, avoid sudden braking, and regularly check the tread depth of your tires. It's also a good idea to get seasonal maintenance to ensure safety—don't end up as scared as I was back then.
As someone who has been driving for over a decade, I've encountered countless slippery road situations during rain. The core issue with ineffective braking is that rainwater reduces friction between tires and road surfaces, especially when there's deep standing water. Worn or aged tires exacerbate skidding, and poorly maintained braking systems (like thin brake pads) are prone to failure when wet. Hard braking at high speeds is extremely risky—it's safest to maintain speeds under 30 km/h and use intermittent braking. Seasonal tire checks are crucial; ensure sufficient tread depth for water dispersion. Drive slowly in rain with fog lights on—safety always comes first.
