Tires, Retread Tires, New Tires, Tire Prices, Hydroplaning, Auto Tips, Automobiles, 1

In wet weather, the tires that have been properly maintained and are in good running condition can cut
through the water and maintain contact with the pavement at speeds less than 50 km/h. In cases where
the tires are excessively worn (bald tires) or underinflated, or the water is very deep, you may still hydro-
plane at slower speeds.

At higher speeds (70 km/h and higher),
the wedge of water in front of the tires
may pass under the tires and the tires
will ride on a cushion of water –
resulting in a possible complete loss of
traction.

Tire manufacturers are continually working
to produce tires that give you an edge in
wet conditions. HydroEdge™, Michelin's
latest ultra-premium (mass-market) tire
offers superior performance on dry or wet
surfaces as well as exceptional hydro-
planing resistance.

"The all-season tire HydroEdge features
dual center grooves that are not exposed
to the sipes or other water execution mechanisms," explains Tony Mougios, Michelin Brand Manager for Canada. "This means that these tires can evacuate water very quickly. Specially angled HydroChutes also reduce the water flow turbulence for excellent overall wet weather performance."

Along with purchasing tires that offer hydroplaning resistance like HydroEdge, Michelin offers the following
tips for preventing and/or dealing with hydroplaning.

To prevent hydroplaning:

Check your tires and tire inflation regularly
Reduce your speed even more when
approaching still water and puddles
Drive in the tracks of preceding vehicles

Should your vehicle hydroplane:

Shift to neutral (on a standard transmission,
depress the clutch)
Activate the hazard lights
Grip the steering wheel firmly and steer where you want to go
Avoid braking or accelerating
Check your rear view mirror

Automobiles and Trucks

by: N.C.

                     here's probably no worse feeling. You're driving
                on a wet stretch of road and all of a sudden it feels
                as though your vehicle has a mind of its own. Of
                course, your vehicle isn't possessed; it has "caught
                a wave." You're hydroplaning – your tires are no longer
                in direct contact with the road as they are riding on
                top of the water that has pooled on the road. Hydro-
                planing can occur when a combination of   speed,
                tire wear, tire inflation or the depth of water on the
pavement causes the tires to lose traction. Essentially, a layer of
water creates a barrier between the road and your tires. This barrier can cause you to lose traction and glide or hydroplane across the water'surface.

Getting An Edge on
Wet Roads

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