Healthy tire tread isn't just for snow.

We turned stories from BC drivers into rain-activated street murals to ask:
Are your tires rain-ready?

Rain and worn tires don't mix. Hear from Jason and Kate about the rainy day they got serious about their tires.
Learning from each other is one more way we're on this road together.

When Jason lost control, the rain took the wheel

"I grew up in a place where it's icy seven months of the year, and now I live in Vancouver where it rains all the time. I never gave rain much thought until I was coming off a wet ramp and just started spinning. I did a full 360 and luckily there was nobody behind me or beside me. After that I was no longer confident driving in the rain on those tires. Now I drive on tires that give me confidence in any weather. You never know what can happen." - Jason, Vancouver

 
 

When Kate hit the brakes the rain let it slide

"I like to think of myself as a safe and aware driver, but that didn't matter when I was heading to work one morning. It had rained really bad the night before. The light at the intersection was green. As I approached it turned red. I pressed the brake and my car just locked up. I slid through the intersection and smashed into a bus. Thankfully no one was hurt. It didn't matter that I was a safe driver because in that moment my worn out tires didn’t do what I needed them to do." - Kate, Vancouver

Safe driving tips for the rain

Keep your distance

Since braking distances can be longer on wet roads, leave at least 4 seconds distance between you and the driver ahead. Staying back will also take you away from the tire spray of the vehicle in front of you, giving you better visibility.

Keep your tires rain-ready

Your tires should have enough tread depth to remove water from between the tire and the road surface effectively. If your current tires are worn down to anywhere near the wear bars (3/32nds or 4/32nds of an inch), it's time to think about replacing your tires.

In rainy conditions, tire pressure is even more important. Tire pressures that are too low or too high can lead to reduced traction, premature tread wear, or tire failure.

Keep your cool

If hydroplaning causes you to lose control, gradually steer the car in the direction you want to go – gently. Just a slight turn of the wheel can help you to regain traction. Sudden, jerky movements, however, can lead to a further loss of control.