Will new tires prevent this from happening... plz read?

Question

On one particular exit ramp (with no designated merge area), I have to excellerate rapidly in order to merge with oncoming traffic. On a normal, dry day this isn't an issue. The real problem emerges with it's raining and the ground is wet... my tires spin on the wet pavement (and I go nowhere fast) if I try to accelerate too fast.

So in order to merge and prevent this from happening, I gently press the gas pedal so I'm able to make the merge *slowly*. But a slow merge is dangerous though... the oncoming traffic is often heavy, so a fast acceleration would be safest. I'd hate to pull out slowly in front of a speeding car (for obvious reasons) and not be able to clear the area in time.

I drive a Ford Explorer. I've checked the air pressure and everything is normal. I've replaced 2 tires in the last 8 months and the tread is about even on all 4 (but they're all used tires). I'm wondering if brand new tires would help. Any suggestions? I have to travel this route every day

Answer 1

Mr. know it all has it all wrong, weight tranfers to your left side when u make a right turn and vice versa....

Anyways... I think your best bet is to get Good Quality tires, and make sure you get some ALL SEASON tires as they will provide you with better traction for the rain.

The brand name and quality of that specific tire that you buy is very important, there are many crappy tires that still cost alot out there.

I suggest finding a good tire website which has reviews of customers and their tires and look for one where alot of people say they have good traction in the rain.

Personally I would go with Pirelli, bridgestone, or yokohama brand tires, but they are rather expensive, I'm just a car performance junkie.

Answer 2

Well new tread is going to give you more traction than worn tread, but on water no matter how new your tires are you will reach a point where it isn't going to make any difference because your tires have to clear the water out from underneath them in order to get traction and that takes time.

Perhaps you could think of an alternative route, public transportation or leaving earlier to beat the heavy traffic.

Answer 3

New tires may help the situation, especially if they are of the right type.
Another option is in wet weather is to switch to 4 HI. Having the extra traction of 4wd will help. As soon as you're cruising at speed go back to 2wd.
I assume it is a 6 cyl with auto locking hubs. Changes can be made at speeds up to 55 mph.
Ford salesman 16 yrs experience

Answer 4

It would help....
However, Explorers have a fairly high center of gravity, and thus they tend to get a bit of a "body roll" to them durring a hard turn.
The majority of the vehicles weight is transfered to the right side of the truck durring a right turn, and left side of the truck durring a left turn.
Therefore there is less weight in the oposite side of the truck to maintain good downward force on the tire and it tends to spin easily.

Try completing the turn first, the get on the gas.

Answer 5

some tires have a harder surface than others you might try looking for a softer tire .i had the same problem a few years ago and it felt like i was driveing on ice when the roads were wet .you might try that and good luck.