As various parts of the country will be experiencing wet weather conditions in the coming weeks, the Tyre, Equipment, Parts Association (TEPA) explains why tread and pressure of tyres is important especially when travelling long distances during holiday seasons.
According to TEPA national and regional vice-chair, Dylan Petzer, ignorance costs lives when it comes to the vehicle maintenance and road conditions.
“The biggest mistake is complacency. People drive the same route every day and assume their car is fine, ignoring a little squeak from the brakes or the fact that the tyres are looking a bit smooth.”
He added that motorists often underestimate conditions. “A speed limit is a limit for perfect conditions, not a target for wet, windy or low-visibility situations. Slowing down is the single most effective safety measure you can take in the rain,” he said.
Petzer encouraged motorists to think of their tyre’s tread grooves as channels that push water out from under the tyre. “When a tyre is under-inflated, its shape distorts. The middle of the tread can lift away from the road and the channels can close up. This makes it much harder to clear water, meaning the tyre starts surfing on a layer of water instead of gripping the road. That’s aquaplaning, and it’s a terrifying experience where you have zero steering or braking control. Proper inflation is your number one defence against it.”
He said that slowing down during wet weather conditions is the safest thing to do. “Don’t be that person tailgating in the fast lane during a downpour,” he added.
According to Petzer, another critical component for wet-weather driving is proper brakes, so listen for the warning signs they may need to be checked or replaced.
Signs that your brakes need attention:
- High-pitched squealing: This could be the built-in wear indicators telling you the pads are low.
- Grinding or rumbling: This is a red alert! It often means your brake pads are completely worn away, and you have metal grinding on metal.
- A “spongy” or soft brake pedal: This might indicate air or moisture in the brake lines.
- The car pulling to one side when you brake: This could be a stuck caliper or uneven wear and is especially dangerous on wet roads.
“Get your tread depth and pressure checked, have the brakes inspected for wear and pop on a new set of wiper blades. It’s a simple, affordable check that prepares your car for the most challenging conditions,” he concluded.
Compiled by Gypseenia Lion
