Indian monsoons are notorious for turning roads into unpredictable water zones. From the waterlogged streets of metro cities to the slick, pothole-ridden highways across the country, the only thing keeping your vehicle grounded is the contact patch of your tyres. Maintaining proper grip isn’t just about vehicle performance; it is a critical safety requirement to prevent skidding and loss of control during heavy downpours.
As the rains intensify, the accumulation of oil, grime, and water on the asphalt creates a lubricant layer. If your tyres are worn out or improperly inflated, they fail to channel water out from under the tread effectively. This leads to a dangerous phenomenon known as aquaplaning, where your car effectively floats on water. Understanding how to prep your rubber for these harsh Indian driving conditions is essential for every vehicle owner.
When a tyre moves over a wet surface, the tread patterns act like drainage channels to disperse water. In India, where rain can be torrential, the volume of water often exceeds the tyre’s drainage capacity. If the tread depth is below the recommended level, the tyre loses its mechanical connection with the road. Symptoms of this include a ‘light’ feeling in the steering wheel and a sudden increase in engine RPM without a corresponding increase in speed. To avoid this, maintaining the health of the rubber and ensuring the grooves are clear of debris is paramount for monsoon survival.
Ensure your tread depth is at least 2mm to 3mm for the rainy season. A simple way to check this at home is using a coin; if the depth is shallow enough that the markings on the coin are fully visible, it is time for a replacement. Deep grooves are your only defense against water pooling.
Check your tyre pressure weekly. Under-inflated tyres have a larger, flatter contact patch that increases the risk of aquaplaning. Always maintain the PSI levels recommended by your vehicle manufacturer, as proper inflation ensures the tread pattern stays open to channel water away.
Remove small stones, mud, and debris lodged in the tread grooves. These obstructions significantly reduce the tyre’s ability to displace water. Additionally, inspect the sidewalls for cracks or bulges that could lead to failures when driving over hidden potholes.
No, you should stick to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Lowering pressure makes the tyre softer and more prone to aquaplaning.
If your steering suddenly feels very light or unresponsive while driving through water, your car is likely aquaplaning. Ease off the accelerator and keep the steering straight.
While 1.6mm is the legal minimum, it is often insufficient for heavy Indian monsoons. Most experts recommend replacing tyres once they hit the 2.5mm mark for safety.
Nitrogen helps maintain stable tyre pressure for longer periods, which is beneficial, but regular compressed air is perfectly fine as long as you check the pressure frequently.
Tyres older than 5-6 years should be replaced even if they have tread, as the rubber compounds harden over time, drastically reducing grip on wet surfaces.
Given the increase in potholes during monsoons, it is wise to check your wheel alignment and balancing every 3,000 to 5,000 km to prevent uneven tyre wear.