[XtremeRevolution]

I had a trip planned to visit my cousin who is back from the military this weekend, leaving tomorrow afternoon and arriving there around 11:00PM, central. However, I noticed this on the weather forecast.

I'm driving from Chicago to the southern tip of Illinois into North Tennessee, which will practically be in the "red zone." I will check the weather tomorrow to decide when to leave based on when the storm is expected to hit the hardest.

So, I need to make some preparations. My understanding was that a high tire pressure places more pressure per square inch of road area and traps less water overall, thus "slicing through" water more easily. However, I have over my time spent here learned and accepted that max sidewall pressures come with a compromise in wet handling traction due to the heat barrier mentioned before.

So, what tire pressure would be recommended for very heavy rains? I am expecting completely soaked roads during big downpours, and my biggest concern is avoiding hydroplaning.

 

[XtremeRevolution]

I found this on Wiki Answers

"Absolutely, and if one tire is more flat, thus wider, it will or could cause a spin out and loss of control.

It is directly related to the square root of the tire pressure. According to testing cited by the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board) the speed at which a normal tire will begin to hydroplane is 10.35 x the square root of the tire pressure. So, if the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle is 36psi, the speed at which you can expect to hydroplane would be 62 mph. Let that tire pressure go down to 25psi and you're hydroplaning speed drops down to 52mph!"

That was my understanding as well. My tires are currently at max sidewall pressure. I just wanted some confirmation on this. I'm not taking any chances.

 

[XtremeRevolution]

Thanks guys. I'll probably keep them the same simply to maintain hydroplaning resistance. Going to replace the wipers as well since they're 22k miles old and are starting to smear.