Ever wondered what a tyre wet grip rating actually tells you? This quick guide breaks down how wet grip is measured, why it matters for braking and handling on wet roads, and how to find this rating on your tyres. For UK drivers facing frequent rain, knowing your wet grip rating could make all the difference in staying safe.
When it comes to driving in the UK, there are some aspects of a tyre calculation that we need to know, and some that we don’t.
The wet grip rating is something we advise all UK drivers to familiarise themselves with – owing to our high exposure to rainfall and to driving on wet road surfaces.
In short, this single-letter rating provides insight into exactly how well suited a tyre is for driving on a wet road. It considers the level of grip on a tyre, looking at both handling and braking distances.
If there was ever an article to pay attention to and save for future reference, particularly as a UK driver, this is one we would recommend.
Understanding the Purpose of a Wet Grip Rating
The wet grip rating of a tyre is a standard component of the EU tyre labelling system and has been ever since the system was first put in place in 2012.
This system was first designed to give consumers and drivers better information about the safety components of their tyres – i.e., the conditions that different tyres are well suited for, and what their tyres’ impact is on the environment.
Alongside the wet grip rating, these tyre labels share information about the fuel efficiency of tyres and their noise production levels. Armed with this information, drivers can make better informed decisions about the right tyres for their vehicle.
Now that we know a bit more about the labels then, what exactly is used to determine the wet grip rating of a tyre – and how is this information portrayed?
How is Wet Grip Rating Defined?
The wet grip rating of a tyre is assessed as a means of determining how well suited a tyre is to drive on a wet road.
Among its attributes, stopping and braking distances are measured and assessed, alongside grip when steering and handling the vehicle.
Interpreting and Understanding the Wet Grip Rating
Wet grip ratings are assigned on an A - E structure.
The very best tyres for wet roads, and those best suited to adverse weather conditions and the high risk of standing water, are given an ‘A’ rating.
‘E’ is the rating given to those tyres which should be reserved for dry roads – and are considered unsafe and unstable for driving on wet surfaces.
