Safety on Wet Roads: Tips to Get a Grip

It’s that season again: time for more accidents and wet roads.

Russell Shepherd, a Michelin North America engineer and self-proclaimed “Mechanical Engineer”, is Russell Shepherd. “tire nerd,”His 15-years of driving in every weather condition possible has earned him his informal title. He is most concerned about wet weather.

“Most people don’t realize how much wet roads affect their driving,” says Shepherd. “When roads become wet, it takes longer to stop and more time to react, making it more important than normal to pay attention to your car and other drivers.”

So what should a driver do? Shepard suggests that you start at the beginning — with your tires. Here are some tips.

* Check all tires regularly for tread wear and pressure. Check both your tires and your temperature regularly to ensure that they are ready for the changing seasons.

* Be cautious from the start. When it rains, traction can be negatively affected. To create a slick surface, it takes only a little water to combine with oil and dust.

* Find the right tire. A tire that has a grip to handle wet roads such as the new Michelin Premier A/S tire, can make a big difference. The tire features a rubber compound that maximizes traction and two sets grooves that help channel water away from tires to keep it traction. The second set of grooves are hidden when the tire is brand new but become visible as the tire wears. This design feature ensures that the tire can drain water away from the tires even when they are worn. This prolongs the tire’s life and increases the driver’s safety.

* Get in touch with your car. It is worth taking the time to see how your car handles wet roads. Are you steering more loose than usual? Do you feel like you are sliding when you brake? Are you noticing the ABS (Antilock Braking System), kick in? You could have lost your grip due to the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) activating. Take a deep breath and get your tires checked right away.

Visit www.wet-weather driving.com for more information and to find the right tire for you. www.michelinman.com/.