Aquaplaning is an issue faced in the UK due to the high levels of rainfall which can create pools of deep surface water on the road which can get between the tyre and road surface. When the vehicle meets deep surface water the tyres can lose contact with the road if the tread is unable to clear the water. If the tyre is unable to grip the road this will cause a lack of traction which means that the driver is unable to maintain control of the vehicle as braking and steering become near impossible. Aquaplaning can not only be a frightening experience for the driver but is also likely to cause an accident due to the lack of vehicle control.
Many Goodyear tyres contain specially designed tread technology designed disperse water to minimise the risk of aquaplaning. The latest Goodyear Vector 4Seasons features advanced Aqua Control Technology, designed to provide excellent aquaplaning resistance throughout the life of the tyre. The tread design allows for continuous water dispersion to ensure the tyres of the vehicle maintain contact and grip the road in wet conditions.
The risk of aquaplaning can be minimised by taking these simple steps:
Checking tread depth and monitoring tyre pressure
Monitoring tread depth and ensuring tyres are inflated to the correct pressure allows for optimum tyre performance.
Use dry tracks/avoid puddles
If it is safe to do so, following a dryer path on the road and avoiding large areas of standing surface water.
Avoid driving in poor conditions
Reducing the likelihood of coming into contact with a high amount of surface water or extremely wet conditions will minimise the risks of aquaplaning.
Avoid harsh braking in wet conditions
Slowing the vehicle over a longer distance is much less erratic and helps to maintain control of the vehicle in wet conditions.
In Aquaplaning and deep surface water is not the only risk associated with driving in wet conditions. In moderate to heavy rainfall drivers are recommended to take further precautions in order to maximise the safety of their vehicle. There are checks you can make before your journey to ensure your vehicle is in the best condition possible to deal with the elements and adaptations that can be made to your driving style to increase the level of vehicle control.
The unpredictability of the British weather means your vehicle needs to be in the best condition to deal with the potential risk of heavy showers at any time. You can do this by regularly making these easy checks:
Alongside keeping your vehicle in the best condition to face wet weather, it is also recommended to adapt your driving style to maximise vehicle control and safety:
The latest generation of the Goodyear All Season tyre is designed to provide excellent driving performance in all weather conditions, all year long. Combining elements of both winter and summer tyres, the Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 is designed to provide year-round performance against the elements.
Designed with Aqua Control Technology, the deepened and widened tread groves to ensure continuous water dispersion throughout the lifetime of the tyre.
Stronger shoulder and crown blocks reduce deformation of the tyre during heavy manoeuvres, resulting in improved handling and shorter braking distance in dry conditions.
The increased number of sipes intersecting in the centre of the tread provide better grip and handling on snow.
