Water needs somewhere to go. That's where your tread comes in.
What's Hydroplaning?
Imagine water skiing - but with your car, and you didn't mean to.
When it rains, water builds up on the road. Your tire treads are designed to push that water out of the way so rubber can touch pavement.
But if your treads are too shallow, they can't move the water fast enough. Your tire rides on top of the water instead of the road. That's hydroplaning.
The scary part:
When you're hydroplaning, steering and braking do almost nothing. You're just a passenger until your tires touch road again.
The 4/32" Rule
Below 4/32" of tread depth, your hydroplaning risk goes way up. Here's what tests show:
🆕
10/32"
New Tires
Full water evacuation, solid grip
👍
4/32"
4/32" Tread
Still OK, but start shopping
⚠️
2/32"
2/32" Tread
Legal minimum, dangerous in rain
Traction Grade: The Spec That Matters
Every tire sold in the US has a Traction Grade on its sidewall. This tells you how well it stops on wet pavement.
AAStops fastest - best wet grip
AVery good wet grip
BAcceptable wet grip
CMinimum legal - longest stops
20+
feet difference in stopping distance
Between AA and C at highway speeds - that's a car and a half.
Shopping? Look For This
Focus on performance specs, not brand names.
Traction Grade A or AA
Check the sidewall or tire specs - this is the most important wet weather rating
Wide circumferential grooves
Those channels running around the tire help evacuate water quickly
Silica compound
Many modern tires use silica which grips better on wet surfaces than traditional rubber
Wet Weather Tire Safety in Colorado
Colorado's weather brings everything from spring showers to intense summer monsoons. Understanding how your tires perform in wet conditions is essential for safe driving. At King's Custom Tires in Denver, we help customers choose tires that handle Colorado's varied weather with confidence.
The key to wet weather traction is tread depth. New tires have approximately 10/32" of tread depth, which channels water away from the contact patch efficiently. As tread wears down, this water evacuation capability diminishes. At 4/32" remaining tread, wet braking distances increase significantly. At 2/32" (the legal minimum), hydroplaning becomes a serious risk even at moderate speeds.
Understanding Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning occurs when water builds up faster than your tires can disperse it, causing your tires to ride on a film of water rather than the road surface. Several factors influence hydroplaning risk: speed is the biggest factor—slowing down gives your tires more time to evacuate water. Tread depth matters because deeper grooves move more water. Tire width plays a role too—wider tires can be more prone to hydroplaning because they need to displace more water. Finally, water depth on the road surface and tire inflation pressure also affect your risk.
Best Tires for Wet Roads
When shopping for tires with excellent wet performance, look for high UTQG traction ratings (AA or A). Many modern all-season tires feature silica compounds that maintain flexibility and grip in wet conditions. Tread patterns with circumferential grooves and lateral slots excel at water evacuation. Popular choices for wet performance include the Michelin CrossClimate 2, Continental TrueContact Tour, and Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus.
Colorado Monsoon Season
From July through September, Colorado's monsoon season brings afternoon thunderstorms that can dump significant rain in short periods. These intense storms create standing water on roads, reduced visibility, and slick conditions that develop suddenly. Having quality tires with adequate tread depth is essential during monsoon season. If you notice your current tires struggling in wet conditions—splashing excessively, feeling unstable in corners, or taking longer to stop—it's time for an inspection.
Visit our shop at 4101 Colorado Blvd in Denver for a free tread depth check. Our technicians can assess your current tires and recommend options that will keep you safe through Colorado's rainy seasons. Or use our AI tire assistant to find tires matched to your vehicle and driving conditions.