The rainy season is in full force in Seattle, sprinkling our highways and byways with buckets of rain; on and off throughout the week. The more rain we get, the more dangerous it is to be on the road, and the greater the threat of hydroplaning becomes. Your first line of defense against the rainy conditions is your vehicle’s tires. Did you know that your tires’ tread depth can make a big difference on a wet road?
Tread Depth refers to the gap difference between the jagged layers of your tire’s surface; this gap helps your tire grip the terrain it was designed for. Tires are available in many tread shapes, all specifically created for unique climates, surfaces, and road conditions. We recommend checking the tread depth of your tires to see if they are ready for the rainy conditions. You can do this with a tread depth gauge or by following the “penny and quarter trick” they show you in THIS VIDEO. The rainy season is here, and it isn’t too late to make some changes; there are two important factors to consider with wet traction:
You want a Tread Depth no less 4/32nds of an Inch?
One of the more dangerous aspects of driving in the rain is losing grip and hydroplaning, causing an accident, or spinning your tires and finding yourself stuck on the side of the road. Deeper tread depth and the enhanced grip provide your vehicle with better traction. When tread depth gets too shallow, the threat of hydroplaning gets greater and greater.
If you feel uncomfortable checking your tread depth or have any questions about the process, don’t hesitate to call a trustworthy auto repair center; like High Road Automotive.
You Want Your Deepest Tire Treads On The Rear Half Of Your Vehicle?
The Pacific Northwest experiences wonderfully temperate weather the majority of the year, with most of our winter madness coming in the form of torrential downpours. Placing your deepest tread depth tires in the rear of your vehicle will help you weather the downpours more safely, providing greater grip and traction when things get slippery on the roads.
Keep in mind that the rainy season is the most dangerous time of year to drive. In the Seattle area, we get used to the downpours as a sometimes daily feature of life; now is a good time to take a step back and consider the dangers we drive in. Take some time to check your tire tread depth and tire placement, and if you need any assistance in that process, we suggest a reputable brand of tires installed by a trustworthy auto repair shop.
If you need help with your tires or you have any questions about wet traction, contact the capable team at High Road Automotive in Seattle, WA. Our crew of ASE-Certified auto mechanics is happy to walk you through the process and answer any questions you might have! Schedule an appointment with us today and see why the Seattle community comes to us as their first choice for auto repair!
