How to Choose Tires for Driving in the Rain

Driving in the rain is something most of us have to deal with at one time or another. If you live in an area known for its stormy weather, however, you must be prepared for the fact that wet conditions will be the rule, not the exception. Choosing the right tires for driving in the rain is hardly brain surgery, but it pays to follow some basic guidelines to ensure you choose wisely.

Things You'll Need

• Car handbook

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Instructions

Do Your Homework

• 1

  Check your local weather statistics and think back to your own experiences. If you have spent at least 10 percent of your time driving in the rain, you need to choose dedicated rain tires.

• 2

  Check your tires for signs of wear. Depending on their age, you may notice that the tread is almost completely gone or that it has held up relatively well.

• 3

  Less wear means you spend more time on surface streets, another indicator that you need rain tires.

Choose a Winner

• 4

  Head down to the local auto shop with your vehicle handbook in hand and ask for all-terrain tires in your size.

• 5

  Look for tires with deep grooves down the middle, a tread-wear rating of at least 85 and a traction rating of "b" or higher. These are tires built to handle off-road conditions, including muddy byways, without losing their grip on the road.

• 6

  Prepare yourself for the fact that such tires may not last as long as harder, smoother highway tires. What you get in return, however, is true peace of mind when the skies open and conditions become slick.