It’s that time of year again—soon you’ll be able to set your watch by those afternoon thunderstorms. Here in Jacksonville, rainy weather is simply a part of summertime. But should you buy wet-weather tires?
Why the Right Tires Matter
The right tires play an important role in the performance and safety of your car. They’re the one point of contact between your car and the road. Wet-weather tires are one way to ensure that your car handles optimally even in a downpour. They provide extra traction with the road. These tires often also channel water away from the tire with a “V”-patterned tread.
Consider the following factors if you’re thinking about investing in wet-weather tires:
- Duration of the rainy season: Here in Florida, the rainy season lasts a few months, and hurricane season stretches until October. Since we spend a good part of the year driving in potentially wet conditions, a wet-weather tire could make sense.
- Driving habits: True road warriors who will spend quite a bit of time slogging through storms should certainly think about wet-weather tires. More casual drivers who can simply stay indoors when the weather gets rough might not need this feature.
- Vehicle type: Some vehicles are more stable than others. The extra grip provided by wet-weather tires can compensate for less stability and increase safety. Meanwhile, wet-weather tires might negatively affect the performance of, say, a sports car.
- Weather during the rest of the year: If you’ll be heading North this winter or heading to a dry climate for a good portion of the year, all-seaosn tires might be a better choice.
