Rain Ahead: Nexen Tire Breaks Down Wet-Weather Safety for Drivers
As summer comes, so do storms and seasonal rain for much of the United States. Nexen Tire America is urging drivers to pay close attention to tire performance and safety on wet roads ahead of upcoming summer travel. Data from the U.S. Department of Transportation show that rain and wet pavement remain among the most significant contributors to crashes nationwide.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, nearly 1.2 million crashes occur each year in adverse weather conditions, accounting for about 21 percent of all crashes in the United States. Of those incidents, approximately 75 percent take place on wet pavement, with 47 percent occurring during rainfall.
Why Tire Design Matters to Resist Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning occurs when water builds up between a tire and the road, preventing direct contact with the pavement. It can happen suddenly and cause a complete loss of traction. Steering, braking, and acceleration no longer respond as expected, leaving drivers with little ability to control the vehicle. Even moderate rainfall can create conditions where vehicles lose grip, particularly at highway speeds or in standing water.
Maintaining traction in wet conditions is a crucial factor of vehicle safety and depends heavily on tire design. Tread depth, groove geometry, and the tire’s footprint shape determine how efficiently water is dispersed from the tire’s contact patch.
Circumferential grooves and lateral channels are engineered to move water away from the footprint. As tread wears, that evacuation capability declines. Reduced friction on wet pavement increases stopping distances and elevates crash risk, particularly during sudden braking or lane changes.
“Tires are the only point of contact between the vehicle and the road, so their ability to manage water effectively is critical to maintaining control,” said Aaron Neumann, head of the Nexen Tire America Technical Center. “Advanced tread design and compound technology are essential safety components that help drivers maintain traction and confidence in wet conditions.”
In practical terms, tires serve as the vehicle’s primary defense against hydroplaning. Their ability to maintain contact with the road can determine whether a driver retains control in heavy rain.
N’FERA Sport: Engineered for Wet and Dry Performance
Nexen Tire’s N’FERA Sport marks the company’s latest advancement in premium ultra-high-performance summer tire technology. Built for warm-weather driving, the tire integrates an asymmetric tread pattern paired with wide longitudinal grooves that work together to channel water away and improve braking stability in wet conditions.
The tire boasts exceptional braking performance in third-party tests and uses a specialized tread compound formulated for excellent traction on both dry pavement and rain-soaked roads. A rigid center block boosts steering response and larger outer tread blocks maximize cornering grip and stability for improved handling at higher speeds, which is especially important when encountering standing water.
Development of the N’FERA Sport underscores Nexen’s emphasis on real-world performance, aligning with growing OE demand for ultra-high-performance tires that deliver predictable handling and consistent traction across changing weather conditions.
Choosing the Right Tire for Wet Conditions
Drivers in regions prone to spring storms and summer downpours should prioritize tires designed for wet traction. Performance-oriented summer tires can offer measurable improvements in braking distance, handling, and hydroplaning resistance when temperatures remain above 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
When selecting a tire for wet conditions, Nexen experts recommend looking for:
- Adequate tread depth and effective water-channeling patterns
- Rubber compounds optimized for wet grip
- UTQG Traction rating of AA or A
For more information on Nexen Tire’s complete tire line up or the company’s ongoing research and development to improve wet-weather tire performance, visit nexentireusa.com.
About Nexen Tire:
Nexen Tire America, the U.S. arm of global tire leader NEXEN TIRE, delivers world-class tires engineered for drivers of every kind, from professional racers to daily commuters. Headquartered in Richfield, Ohio, the company develops and distributes high-performance, passenger, SUV, and light-truck tires for both original equipment and replacement markets. Backed by NEXEN’s global network of advanced manufacturing plants and R&D centers, Nexen Tire America combines cutting-edge innovation with uncompromising quality and value. In May 2021, NEXEN TIRE surpassed 500 million tires produced since 2000 without a single recall — a milestone that reflects its enduring commitment to performance, reliability, and customer trust.
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