🚧 Slippery when wet, sounds like an album title, right? But out here in the Adelaide Hills, it’s more like a warning sign that needs to be taken seriously. Our roads can get seriously slick when it rains, and even with all the fancy tech in modern cars, improved tyre compounds and better road surfaces, wet roads still catch drivers out every day.

So, why is that? Let’s break it down.

Why Are Roads So Slippery When Wet?

Your tyres need grip. (Obvious, we know.) But throw a layer of water, oil, or ice between the rubber and the bitumen, and suddenly that grip disappears.

After a dry spell, rain can cause chaos. Why? Because all the oil and grime from cars builds up on the roads. When it rains, that muck rises out of the bitumen and sits like a greasy film on top. Think of it as driving on a salad dressing. Not ideal.

The Danger of Aquaplaning

When there’s too much water, your tyres can’t keep up. Instead of gripping the road, they skim across the water, that’s aquaplaning. And when that happens, you’ve got no steering, no braking, and no control until the tyres make contact again. Not a good time.

Black Ice in the Hills

In winter, especially early mornings, black ice becomes a real threat in the Adelaide Hills. It’s invisible, sneaky, and dangerous. It forms when the surface gets icy cold, often after hail or frost. Once you hit black ice, you’re along for the ride until the tyres bite again.

How to Stay in Control

• Slow down. Always. Especially after a dry spell or in wet weather.
• Back off. Give the car in front extra space; tailgating in the rain is a no-go.
• Brake gently. Slam the brakes and you’ll slide. Be smooth and steady.
• No sudden moves. If you lose control, don’t yank the wheel; wait for the tyres to grip again before easing back into it.

Why Learn with Mark?

Mark from Learners to Plates isn’t just a driving instructor, he’s also a qualified mechanic who’s seen it all on Adelaide Hills roads. Based in Nairne, he knows exactly what new drivers need to stay safe in tricky conditions like wet weather and black ice.

His lessons don’t just teach you how to pass your test, they teach you how to drive smart, stay calm, and manage the real stuff that comes with driving in the Hills.

Want to learn the ropes with someone who gets it? Call Mark at Learners to Plates on 0456 556 380.

🚗 Drive safe. Drive smart.