Auto&General reveals why worn tyres could leave your wet weather claim rejected
MAY 2026: South Africa’s varied climate means drivers can experience everything from prolonged dry conditions to sudden heavy downpours. One moment the road is dry, the next it’s coated in a sheet of water that dramatically changes how your vehicle behaves. Among the most dangerous and often misunderstood risks in these conditions is aquaplaning.
What is Aquaplanning?
Johanni Jennings Head of Marketing at Auto&General explains: “Aquaplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between your tyres and the road surface, causing a loss of traction. In that moment, your tyres are no longer gripping the road; they’re effectively skimming across water. Steering becomes unresponsive, braking distances increase, and control can be lost in seconds.”
It doesn’t only happen at high speeds. Even moderate speeds can trigger aquaplaning if the conditions and your vehicle aren’t right.
The hidden risk lies within your tyres
“Tyres are your first line of defence in wet conditions. Their tread channels water away from the contact patch, maintaining grip. But once that tread wears down, their effectiveness drops sharply,” Jennings continues.
In South Africa, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across the full circumference of the tyre. Falling below this limit doesn’t just increase your risk on the road; it can also have serious car insurance implications.
“Driving with worn or uneven tyres is considered neglect of basic vehicle maintenance. If you’re involved in a collision and your tyres are found to be below the legal limit, your insurer may argue that the vehicle was not roadworthy at the time of the incident. This can lead to a car insurance claim being reduced or even rejected outright.”
Car maintenance is key
While tyres are critical, the aquaplaning risk is compounded by other overlooked factors:
• Worn shock absorbers reduce tyre contact with the road
• Incorrect tyre pressure affects how water is dispersed
• Poor wheel alignment leads to uneven tread wear
• Worn wiper blades reduce visibility, delaying reaction time
Jennings warns: “Neglecting these basics doesn’t just increase danger – it can also put your car insurance cover at risk when you need it most.”
Tips for driving in heavy rain
Below, Auto&General provides key defensive driving practices, because the safest drivers in wet conditions are those who adjust early and drive proactively.
• Reduce speed significantly even before you see standing water – Wet roads reduce tyre grip long before puddles form. Slowing down early gives you more control and more time to react.
• Increase following distance to at least double your normal gap – Braking distances are much longer in the rain. A larger gap helps you avoid sudden braking and potential collisions.
• Avoid sudden inputs such as harsh braking, acceleration, or steering – Smooth, gradual movements keep your tyres in contact with the road. Sharp inputs can easily trigger a loss of traction.
• Drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead, where water has already been displaced – Following existing tyre paths can improve grip. These tracks typically have less surface water than untouched areas.
• Turn on headlights to improve visibility and be seen – Rain reduces visibility for everyone on the road. Headlights help you see clearly and ensure other drivers can spot you sooner.
How a driver reacts in the split second of aquaplaning can make the difference between regaining control and losing it completely. “It’s completely natural to panic and hit the brakes when the vehicle suddenly feels like it’s floating,” explains Jennings. “But harsh braking or sudden steering inputs can actually worsen the situation by further reducing what little traction remains.
“Instead, drivers should stay calm, ease off the accelerator gradually, and keep the steering wheel steady in the direction of travel. This allows the tyres time to reconnect with the road surface as the water disperses.
Overcorrecting or making abrupt movements often leads to skidding, which is where incidents escalate.”
Protecting yourself starts with your car
Car insurance is designed to cover you when the unexpected happens, but it relies on a fundamental condition: your vehicle must be roadworthy.
Before the rainy season or even a long trip, a few simple checks can make all the difference:
• Inspect tyre tread depth and look for uneven wear
• Check tyre pressure (including the spare)
• Test brakes and shocks
• Replace worn wiper blades
• Ensure all lights are functioning
These are small steps, but they directly impact both your safety and your cover.
Auto&General is a licensed non-life insurer & FSP. Ts&Cs online.
What is Aquaplaning and what should Drivers do to prevent Crashes caused during Aquaplaning?https://t.co/b1cQdbgPh1#ArriveAlive #Aquaplaning pic.twitter.com/JM5mnFtigx
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) May 25, 2026