Aquaplaning, wet braking, tread depth and the driving adjustments that matter most during Kenya's long and short rains.
Tread grooves exist to move water out from under the contact patch. As depth falls, that capacity drops sharply — a tyre at 3mm clears far less water than one at 7mm.
The result is aquaplaning: the tyre rides on a film of water with effectively zero steering and braking. It happens most often in standing water on the outer lane.
Replace at 3mm rather than the 1.6mm legal minimum. Check pressures fortnightly, because under-inflated tyres aquaplane at lower speeds.
Slow down in standing water, avoid sudden steering, and if the steering goes light, ease off the accelerator without braking hard until grip returns.
Look at wet grip performance specifically rather than overall reputation. Goodyear, Continental and Michelin consistently lead independent wet braking tests.
Come in before the rains rather than during them. We can measure your tread in ten minutes and tell you whether you will get through the season.
If any of this raises a question about your own car, bring it in. The tyre safety check is free and takes ten minutes, and we will give you a written summary whether or not you buy anything.
Tread depth at three points, DOT dates on all five tyres, pressures set and wear patterns explained. Ten minutes, no charge.
See what's includedAt least 3mm. Below that, wet braking distances and aquaplaning resistance deteriorate rapidly.
Goodyear, Continental and Michelin lead wet braking tests. Ask us for your specific size.
Keep tread above 3mm, maintain correct pressure, reduce speed in standing water and avoid sudden steering inputs.
WhatsApp the workshop directly. You will get a straight answer from someone who fits tyres all day.