Aquaplaning
If your tyres have poor grip with the road in wet conditions, the driver can lose control of the vehicle in
what's called aquaplaning, or hydroplaning. This happens when the water sits between the car the road, so
there is nothing for the vehicle to grip on to, rendering the driver powerless to control the vehicle.
Vehicle capability
It is important that a vehicle owner understands their vehicle's water-wading capabilities. Bigger vehicles
like Trucks and SUV's will have a higher tolerance level for water, as opposed to smaller passenger cars.
This is crucial so that the vehicle's engine air intake system is not jeopardised. Ensure that you keep the
vehicle in the centre of the road, which is the highest point. Avoid aggressive acceleration or braking as
this may cause your vehicle tyres to lose traction. As a safety precaution, once you have safely navigated
the water tap your brakes lightly with the aim to dry and eradicate any water in the braking system, to
ensure that your braking system works optimally.It is important that a vehicle owner understands their
vehicle's water-wading capabilities. Bigger vehicles like Trucks and SUV's will have a higher tolerance
level for water, as opposed to smaller passenger cars. This is crucial so that the vehicle's engine air
intake system is not jeopardised. Ensure that you keep the vehicle in the centre of the road, which is the
highest point. Avoid aggressive acceleration or braking as this may cause your vehicle tyres to lose
traction. As a safety precaution, once you have safely navigated the water tap your brakes lightly with the
aim to dry and eradicate any water in the braking system, to ensure that your braking system works
optimally.
Check tread depth
The gaps in the tread pattern on your tyre serve to guide water away from tyre while driving on a wet
surface. If you do not have adequately defined gaps - essentially poor tread depth - the water cannot be
diverted away. Therefore, the water rolls around the wheel, with no grip and traction to the surface,
leaving you with loss of your vehicle's steering control. The legal limit for tyre tread is 1.6mm.
Roads with snow and ice
South Africa does not regularly have snow and icy road surface conditions, and driving on these surfaces
demand a set of driving skills that many people may not have. In other countries where snow and ice are
common, tyres and vehicles are tailored for their regional conditions. In general, the South African tyre
market does not have a wide range of tyres specialised to tackle icy surfaces. Avoid snow and icy roads
where possible to avoid placing yourself in a situation you cannot navigate. Tyres with poor traction due to
shallow tread depth, can skid on icy surfaces.
Pressure
Ensure your tyres are correctly inflated. Over inflated tyres means that there is “less” of your tyre that
has actual contact with the road, reducing the surface area for grip and traction.
Defensive driving
Practice simple measures to keep safe. Reduce your speed, turn your lights on, or hazards where necessary,
and ensure you allow for a greater distance to other cars. Avoid harsh braking except in emergency
situations.
Potholes and water pooling
With potholes a regular challenge on roads, heavy rains may lead to the development of new potholes -
sometimes overnight. Water collects in them, and drivers may assume they are driving over water, when in
fact, it's a pothole. When hit, the sidewall of a tyre acts a shock absorber, but it can also lead to tyre
damage. Avoid driving in the outer lanes, as water tends to pool in there. Stick to the centre lanes where
the road is less likely to be flooded.
Windshield wiper blades
Ensure you have wiper blades that function effectively. If your car generally sits in harsh conditions, such
as direct sunlight, this could lead to blades warping, leading to ineffective water clearing from your
windshield. Regularly inspect your wiper blades so that you're able to effectively dispel water from your
windshield, giving you better visibility.
Spare wheel
If you are using a biscuit wheel - these are the narrow tyres kept as spare tyres in some vehicle models -
the narrow surface area does not offer great capacity to expel water. Drive more carefully, and avoid
flooded roads.
Be proactive with tyre care
Much like making a dental appointment is a routine preventative practice to ensure there are no issues
building up, so too is a tyre check up to ensure your tyres are in good health and able to withstand harsh
conditions. However, this is not a reason to be on the road in torrential rain or drive in flooded areas.
Check for any signs of wear and tear, and make sure your tyres are properly inflated according to the
manufacturer's specifications.
Be prepared for emergencies
Always carry an emergency kit in your vehicle that includes essentials such as a spare tyre, jack,
flashlight, blanket, and first-aid supplies. Additionally, ensure your mobile phone is fully charged in case
you need to call for help.
Visit your local tyre dealership, such as a Dunlop tyre fitment centre, for expert advice.