Slippery When Wet (Driving on Wet Leaves)
March 2, 2025
When the leaves fall, you might take a sightseeing trip to see them at peak color. Or you may simply live in a spot where there are a lot of trees. When those leaves get wet, you'd be surprised to learn just how slippery they can be.
We all know ice is slippery to drive on. What causes tires to slip on ice is a thin layer of water that comes between the road and your tires. Wet leaves can have the same effect. The surfaces of leaves are super slick when they're dry, even worse when you add a little moisture. There's one other thing about leaves. They are smaller than each tire's footprint, so your tread grips the pavement with uneven traction.
One study showed that your stopping distance can more than double on a surface covered with wet leaves when compared to that same road when it's dry. Double! That can spell trouble. So if you find yourself heading into an area with wet leaves on the road, slow down before you get into a jam. If you do start skidding, use the same driving techniques as you would on ice. Let off the accelerator, resist jamming on the brakes and steer into the skid. Again, speed can get you into trouble fast on a slippery surface.
One thing that can help is having tires that are appropriate for the way you drive and the places you travel. Your service advisor can offer suggestions for tires that are right for you. Have a technician examine your tread depth and the condition of your tires' rubber. Sun can break down rubber over time, and age can cause tires to fail, even if their tread seems to be deep enough.
Your tire is the point of traction between your vehicle and the road. Uncontrolled skids spell trouble and danger. Slow down when you see wet leaves on the road. They can make traction disappear before you know it.
TLC Custom Exhaust Brakes & Tires
1735 N Main St
Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
248-541-8300
http://www.tlcautocareroyaloak.com
Need Service?
More articles from TLC Auto Care
Something to Latch On To (Hood Latch Safety)
October 25, 2026
The other day, a driver was trying to open his vehicle's hood so he could add some windshield washer fluid. But when he pulled the hood release inside the car, nothing happened. Usually, opening any hood is a 2-step process. You pull the hood release (which is usually a handle under the dashb... More
Ready, Set, COLD! (Getting Vehicle Ready for Winter)
October 23, 2026
When the temperatures plunge, your vehicle better be ready because it faces a whole new set of challenges. Rubber stiffens, glass fogs, fluids freeze. Just thinking about it can get your heart beating faster. So here are some tips for getting ready for those inevitable colder temperatures. Ma... More
Why Timing Belt Maintenance Can Save Your Engine
October 11, 2026
One part of your vehicle you probably never think of is the timing belt. It coordinates the rotation of the crankshaft (which converts the up and down motion of the pistons into rotation motion) and the camshaft (which opens and closes your engines valves). Its vital that the timing of these mov... More