Driving safely in heavy rain starts before the first drop falls. Middle Tennessee sees plenty of strong storms, especially in spring and summer, and a downpour can turn I-40 or Old Hickory Boulevard slick in moments. Your tires are the only part of the car touching the road, so their condition matters more in the rain than at almost any other time. If you are unsure how much tread you have left, our tire services team can measure it and check pressure, alignment and wear.
Why tires matter so much in the rain
The grooves in a tire’s tread act as channels that push water out from under the tire so the rubber can grip the pavement. As tread wears down, those channels get shallower and can move less water. At higher speeds, a worn tire can ride up on a thin layer of water instead of pushing through it. That is hydroplaning, and when it happens, steering and braking stop working the way you expect.
Check your tread
Most tires have tread wear bars, small raised bridges at the bottom of the grooves. When the tread is level with those bars, the tire is worn out. Many drivers also use a coin in the grooves as a rough guide, but a tread depth gauge gives a much better reading. Wet-road grip drops noticeably as tires wear, so replacing them before they reach the wear bars is a sensible choice if you drive a lot in the rain. Our article on what wears out tires early explains how to make a set last.
Keep pressure correct
An underinflated tire flexes more and does not clear water as well. Check pressure monthly when the tires are cold, using the figure on the driver’s door jamb sticker.
Rotate for even wear
Uneven wear can leave one end of the car with much less grip than the other. Regular rotation keeps the set more consistent, as we cover in why tire rotations matter.
Get the car ready for storm season
- Wipers: replace blades that streak, skip or leave patches.
- Lights: make sure headlights, brake lights and turn signals all work. Hazy headlight lenses reduce visibility in rain.
- Brakes: wet roads lengthen stopping distances even with healthy brakes. A pulsing pedal, a pull to one side or a soft pedal is worth having our brake repair technicians check.
- Defroster and A/C: the A/C dries the air and clears fogged glass quickly, so make sure it works.
How to drive when it pours
- Slow down. Lower speeds give the tires more time to clear water and give you more time to react. Posted limits are set for dry roads.
- Increase following distance. Leave much more space than usual so you can brake gently instead of suddenly.
- Turn on your headlights. They help other drivers see you, even in daytime. Avoid driving with only hazard lights on while moving unless conditions truly require it.
- Turn off cruise control. You want direct control of your speed.
- Drive in the tracks of the car ahead. The tires in front have already pushed some water aside, and the middle lanes tend to drain better than the edges.
- Be smooth. Brake, accelerate and steer gently. Sudden inputs are what break traction.
- Watch for standing water. Puddles along the edge of the road can grab a tire and pull the car.
Avoid flooded roads
Low spots and underpasses can flood fast in a heavy storm. Never drive into water covering the road. You cannot see how deep it is or whether the pavement underneath is intact, and moving water can sweep a vehicle away. Water sucked into the engine air intake can also destroy an engine. If you do drive through deep water by accident, test your brakes gently afterward, since wet brakes can feel weak until they dry.
When to pull over
If you cannot see the road or the vehicle in front of you, find a safe place to stop, such as a parking lot, and wait for the worst of the storm to pass. Stopping on the shoulder of a busy highway carries its own risks, so get completely off the road when you can.
Have your tires checked before storm season
Music City Auto Repair in Hermitage can inspect your tires, brakes and wipers, explain what we find and give you an estimate before any work starts. Call 615-600-5994 to schedule a check before the next big storm.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my car starts to hydroplane?
Stay calm and ease off the accelerator. Do not slam on the brakes or jerk the steering wheel. Keep the wheel pointed where you want to go and let the car slow down until the tires regain contact with the road. If you need to brake, press gently; with anti-lock brakes, use steady pressure and let the system work.
Should I use cruise control on wet roads?
It is generally safer to turn cruise control off in heavy rain. If the tires begin to hydroplane, cruise control may try to hold speed when you would normally lift off the accelerator, and it delays your reaction. Keeping your foot in control lets you slow down smoothly as conditions change.
Is it safe to drive through a flooded road if the water looks shallow?
No. It is hard to judge depth, the road surface underneath may be washed out, and moving water can push a vehicle off the road more easily than most people expect. Water drawn into the engine intake can also cause severe engine damage. Turn around and find another route.
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