Grip on the road surface thanks to tires in good condition and an optimal level of internal pressure will help you avoid inconvenience on the road.

Reducing your speed, periodically checking the condition of your tires, and using caution when braking are some of the things you can consider to ensure a safe ride.

Your car’s tires play a very important role when driving during the monsoons as they determine the road grip and optimal braking.

The rains have returned to Colombia, and with them, our street sidewalks are becoming more slippery. We all know that driving a vehicle in difficult road conditions is difficult and sometimes dangerous, so it is important to take certain precautions that are directly related to its tires.

“In dry conditions, the braking time and distance is shorter, but when the ground is wet, the vehicle needs more distance to stop, and if the tires are not in perfect condition (with worn tread, for example), this condition worsens and the vehicle will need some time to stop. Tires play a vital role when driving during the rainy season, as they determine the correct grip, optimal braking and safety to avoid dangerous skidding,” explains Nevardo Porras, technical sales manager at Bridgestone Colombia.

To avoid inconvenience on the road and ensure a safe ride during the rainy season, Bridgestone recommends the following:

1. Slow down: Exceeding speed limits increases the likelihood of hydroplaning. The faster you drive on a wet surface, the more water the tire will have to displace and the less control you will have over the car.

2. Check the condition of the tires: There are several things you can do periodically to keep your tires in good condition:

• Check the level of wear.: For optimal vehicle grip on wet surfaces, the tires must be in good condition and not exceed the wear indicator indicated on the tread.

• Check inflation pressure: This factor plays a fundamental role in ensuring the correct performance of tires on wet surfaces, as it allows them to maintain optimal contact with the surface and reduce the effects of hydroplaning.

• Change your tires periodically.: Tires may have different levels of wear depending on the position in which they are mounted. That’s why it’s important to rotate correctly so that all four tires get even wear and desired performance, even on wet surfaces.

3. Attention when braking: If you are planning to brake in the rain, do so carefully. When it rains or the ground is wet, a film of water forms between the tires and the ground, causing loss of traction.

4. Increase your safe distance.: When you drive on a wet road, your car needs more distance to stop safely. A reasonable distance in normal conditions, that is, without rain, is 10 meters in relation to the vehicle in front. But when it rains, it is best to double this distance so that you have time to react and brake in case of any accident.

5. Check your travel kit: Before leaving home, be sure to take with you the necessary tools for the trip. Make sure your spare tire is in perfect condition, that you have a hydraulic jack, safety triangles, a hi-vis vest, a flashlight, a rain cover and a properly charged fire extinguisher.

“The correct condition of the tires, the presence of the recommended calibration, as well as wheel alignment and balancing allow the vehicle to have the correct characteristics for safe driving in heavy rain. The main function of tires is to provide safety and grip, so it is important to understand how they perform depending on weather conditions,” added Nevardo Porras.

These Bridgestone Tips Will Help Emphasize Value Economyone of 8 values Bridgestone E8 Commitment with this, the brand reaffirms its commitment to maximizing the economic value of mobility and commercial transactions. These eight meanings that start with the letter “E” in English are: Energy, Ecology, Efficiency, Extension, Economy, Emotions, Simplicity, Empowerment – they guide the company on its journey, together with employees, communities, partners and customers, towards achieving a sustainable society.

For more information visit: https://www.bridgestone.com.co/