The best wet weather tyres designed for the UK climate contain expertly designed technologies built into the tyre tread to efficiently evacuate surface water and overall tyre compound to prevent aquaplaning and maintain grip on the road surface. The UK tends to see intervals of heavy rain all year round, regardless of the season, however depending on the temperature it may be worth switching to an all season or winter tyre in conditions below around 7°c in colder or rural parts of the country.
Regardless of seasonal tyres, the ideal wet weather tyre features technologies designed to cope with rain, wet conditions, aquaplaning resistance, etc. For example, the Goodyear Vector 4Seasons features Aqua Control Technology, EfficientGrip Performance 2 features Wet Braking Technology both of which help to influence handling and performance on wet road surfaces. You can also review wet grip rating on the EU Tyre Label.
Aquaplaning happens when a build-up of surface water on a wet road surface is unable to be evacuated from the tyre tread causing the tyre to lose contact and traction with the road surface, meaning it is difficult to gain control of steering the vehicle. This situation can be very dangerous for drivers and passengers, as well as traffic around the vehicle.
The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons tyre features Aqua Control Technology that is designed to provide aquaplaning resistance over the life of the tyre. The grooves of the tread evolve over time to ensure continuous water dispersion, allowing the tyre to maintain contact and grip with the road surface in wet conditions. Thanks to the evacuation of water the compound within the tyre is able to grip the road surface.
More test wins than any other brand tested*.
Better grip on snow through large amount of sipes at the center of the tread. The sipes influence each other at their intersection, stimulating their opening for better grip.
Shorter dry braking & Improved dry handling. Reduced deformation of the tyre during heavy maneuvers through strong crown & shoulder blocks.
Lifetime Aqua Planing Resistance. Over time grooves evolve to continuously ensure water dispersion.
Thanks to Goodyear’s Wet Braking Technology featured in the EfficientGrip Performance 2, the tyre has short braking distances on wet road surfaces – a crucial factor when considering purchasing tyres in the UK climate where wet conditions are experienced all year long. It’s important to have as low a braking distance as possible in wet weather as visibility is often worse so reaction times tend to be slower – hence it’s important to come to a stop as quickly as possible.
The Wet Braking Technology in the EfficientGrip Performance 2 features lower compound stiffness that facilitates block bending and wiping out of surface water. The tyre also has a longer and increased number of gripping edges to help facilitate water evacuation meaning the tyre stays in contact with the road to minimise stopping distance.
Get up to 50% more miles than the predecessor*
Mileage Plus Technology
High tread elasticity and flexibility results in less fractures caused by rough road conditions.
Wet Braking Technology
Lower compound stiffness facilitates block bending and wiping out of water. Longer and increased number of gripping edges facilitates water evacuation.
Dry Stability Plus Technology
Larger ribs at the center of the tread ensure higher stiffness.
A wet grip is the tyre’s ability to stick to the road in wet weather conditions. The EU Tyre Label features only the wet braking performance of the tyre. The performance is graded between class A to class E with higher-rated tyres able to stop much more quickly on wet roads when the brakes are fully applied. In emergency situations, a few metres can make all the difference.
For optimum steering, grip, and braking in wet weather, as well as being able to cope with aquaplaning, tyre pressures should be maintained at optimum levels recommended for your vehicle by the manufacturer.
Even with the best tyres that are designed for wet weather, you still need to be cautious and prepare well to cope with the elements. For example, basic maintenance in terms of checking tyres, treads, wipers are working effectively, and all lights are working on the vehicle to ensure you’re visible to others. It’s also recommended during heavy downpours to reduce your speed, maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front and remain focused.
**Based on 47 reviews in magazines from November 2013 to November 2020, conducted by 17 of the leading and independent European tyre magazines. The calculation is based on the number of Goodyear test wins in the year round category over all competitiors tested. Read more
*Internal test. Compared to predecessor EfficientGrip Performance. Tyre size tested: 205/55R16 91V; Test car: VW Golf 7; Test location: open roads in Luxembourg and France
