From the outside, all tires may look pretty much alike. But today's tires are usually much safer, handle better, as well as provide better tread wear, comfort, traction, and fuel economy. Some types of tires available today can even provide better handling in water, or make it possible to drive your car with a complete loss of air pressure. Aqua-channel tires have a groove built in to the center of the wheel that helps direct water through the middle and prevent hydroplaning. That's when your car's tires are driving on a thin layer of water instead of making contact with the surface of the road. Hydroplaning can make your car harder to control and be potentially dangerous. If you live in a climate where it rains quite a bit, you may want to invest in some aqua-channel tires. Run-flat tires are built with extra-reinforced sidewalls that allow you to drive your car for substantial distances with a flat. This can allow you to get to a safe place to change your tire, or get to a garage to have the flat fixed. Contact your local tire dealer for more information on advances in tire manufacturing.
