As April showers are set to sweep across the UK, TyreSafe is urging road users not to be caught out by wet roads, worn tyres and incorrect tyre pressures.
The launch of the new ‘Drip Drip Drop – ‘Little’ April Showers’ campaign highlights the increased risk of aquaplaning at this time of year – when improving weather brings more vehicles onto the roads, but sudden rainfall leaves surfaces dangerously slick.
After months of winter driving, many road users assume the worst conditions are behind them. But spring presents its own hazards. Light rain following dry spells can mix with oil and debris on the road surface, significantly reducing grip.
Combined with underinflated or worn tyres, this creates the perfect conditions for aquaplaning – when a tyre loses contact with the road and skims across standing water, leaving drivers with little or no steering or braking control.
Research shows just how dangerous poor tyre maintenance can be in wet conditions:
- At 70mph, worn tyres have seven times more effect on total stopping distance in wet weather than drinking alcohol
- At 70mph, a worn tyre adds 27 metres – or 28% – to the Highway Code baseline stopping distance, increasing it from 96m to 123m.
- At 50mph, wet braking distances increased by 6.9 metres on tyres with 1.6mm tread compared to new tyres with 8mm tread. Tyres with 3mm tread took only 2.7 metres longer to stop.
- 75% of tyre defects were due to lack of maintenance in fatal incidents where car tyres were a causal factor, and 61% in all other vehicles (Source: National Highways Fatals Database 2014–2022, verified by Transport Research Laboratory; 1,954 vehicles examined).
These figures underline a simple but critical message – tyre safety is not just about legality — it’s about performance when it matters most.
It’s not just tread – pressure matters too
While tread depth plays a crucial role in dispersing water and maintaining grip, incorrect tyre pressure can significantly increase the risk of aquaplaning.
Underinflated tyres:
- Increase the size and distortion of the tyre’s contact patch
- Reduce the tyre’s ability to channel water away effectively
- Lead to overheating and uneven wear
- Extend braking distances
Overinflated tyres:
- Reduce the tyre’s contact with the road surface
- Compromise grip, especially in wet conditions
As temperatures fluctuate during spring mornings and evenings, tyre pressures can change — making April an especially important time to check them.
Stuart Lovatt, chair of TyreSafe, said, “April showers might sound harmless, but when they hit busy roads and combine with worn or incorrectly inflated tyres, the consequences can be devastating. Aquaplaning can happen in seconds and without warning.
“The research is clear – poor tyre maintenance dramatically increases stopping distances in wet conditions. That’s why we’re urging road users to ACT: check your Air pressure, inspect the Condition, and monitor your Tread. A few minutes of checks could prevent a lifetime of consequences.”
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