According to the Automobile Association of America (AAA), wet weather is a factor in about 1.2 million motor vehicle crashes every year. To find out how to maintain your tires so you can navigate safely through nasty weather, we reached out to Goodyear Tires to answer our questions on what to do.
(AR) Why is it important to have the proper tires on your car to deal with wet weather?
(GOODYEAR) The four tires on your car are the only parts of your vehicle that directly contact the road, so they play a very important role in wet weather traction. Having enough tread is especially important. The tread on your tires serves a myriad of purposes, including providing the essential grip needed for optimum vehicle handling, the traction needed for proper braking, and the evacuation of water from under the tires’ footprint to maintain contact with the road. If you notice a decrease in grip or reduced confidence when driving, especially in wet driving conditions, it may be time to visit a local tire store and receive an expert tread inspection.
(AR) Please explain the difference between winter tires and all-season tires, and why seasonal changeover, depending on your geographic region, is important.
(GOODYEAR) All-season tires are engineered to provide confident traction throughout the year. This versatility makes them a great choice for year-round traction in dry and wet conditions, and even in light snow. But if you live in an area that encounters heavy amounts of snow and ice, you’ll experience improved traction in winter weather from a dedicated set of winter tires. Winter tires feature a tread compound that is specially formulated to stay flexible at low temperatures for better vehicle control, providing enhanced grip and braking performance in snowy & icy conditions. These tires perform well in all types of winter conditions – including snow, ice, sleet, slush, wet and even cold dry roads.
(AR) What tires does Goodyear offer to help with wet weather driving?
(GOODYEAR) If you drive a performance vehicle, the Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season is a great choice. Its proven asymmetric tread pattern offers both responsive handling and exceptional all-season grip. An innovative tread compound delivers outstanding wet and dry performance, and full-depth sipes help create biting edges for confident grip as the tire wears.
(AR) What services do Goodyear dealers offer, like checking your tire pressure, to ensure your tires are up to the task?
(GOODYEAR) Your local Goodyear dealer can perform a free tire inspection to see if you’re in need of new tires. They can also check your tire pressure, wheel balance and vehicle alignment to help you get the most performance out of your tires. If you are in need of a new set of tires, the experts at your local Goodyear dealer can help recommend a tire that meets your needs and suits your driving style.
(AR) Does size matter in wet weather driving, or are large SUVs just as susceptible to wet weather maladies like hydroplaning?
(GOODYEAR) The amount of traction a tire provides in wet weather is more dependent on the tread pattern than the size. For example, the Goodyear Eagle Sport All-Season features a tread pattern that’s optimized for all-season handling—with wide circumferential grooves that help evacuate water to increase traction in wet weather, and full-depth sipes for confident grip as the tire wears.
(AR) What Web site can our readers visit for more information on Goodyear tires and safe wet weather driving?
(GOODYEAR) More information on Goodyear’s extensive lineup of car, truck and SUV tires can be found at www.goodyear.com. For tips on wet weather driving, visit goodyear.com/en-US/services/tire-care/driving-in-rain.
