That is surely the M4 west after cardiff. memories of that and same thing cars going past very fast. Friend did a nice pirouette and wrote off his car a couple of years ago between j 32-33.

On a well drained motorway (which is most of the UK fortunately), the limiting factor which has always slowed me down first in heavy rain is visibility and not grip.

It may be different though if you drive on bald or nearly bald tyres (there is reason why the Germans mandate 3mm minimum of tread, a guidance which I've always followed) or if you ride a motorbike.

My pet hate in heavy rain is the BMW drivers (yes it's always BMWs!) who switch on their rear fog light, but continue to drive at about 90 despite clearly being aware that the road conditions are far from ideal. I suppose at least it will be easier to see them when they've crashed.

Perhaps the Germans specify 3mm minimum tread because of the "German BMW" riders doing 90mph in the rain.

Like just about everything nowadays, the minimum profile is governed by EU regulations so the German minimum is also 1.6 mm.

The 1.6mm limit is a UNECE global standard - so not directly from EU or UK legislation although enacted there.

I suspect 90% of aquaplaning incidents are caused by aggressive company Audi/BMW driving wannabees on worn out rubber.

Them slicks gets 'em to the front of the queue quicker though ;)

>My pet hate in heavy rain is the BMW drivers (yes it's always BMWs!) who switch on >their rear fog light, but continue to drive at about 90 despite clearly being aware that the >road conditions are far from ideal. I suppose at least it will be easier to see them when >they've crashed.