Drivers are just realizing there is a lifesaving hidden car feature that could stop crashes

DRIVING in wet weather brings a number of challenges to drivers, but a hidden feature in a number of cars has secretly made it safer.

While many drivers are aware of the dangers of driving in winter weather conditions, the summer often brings torrential downpours and thunderstorms.

Regardless of the season, manufacturers such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz have ensured that drivers can rely on their braking systems.

The majority of new cars come with an adaptive braking system that uses technology to improve braking.

Many people will have heard of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) - this is when cars will monitor and detect traffic to warn of an upcoming danger such as a suddenly slowing vehicle.

If the driver does not react in time, the brakes will automatically apply, making the roads a safer place.

However, systems such as those in the vehicles mentioned above also have what is known as disk-wipe technology or brake-drying systems.

This automatic feature relies entirely on the car's sensors and improves safety without the driver having to do anything.

With this system, a sensor on the windshield will detect moisture and along with the movement of the wipers, it will inform the brakes that it is raining.

As a result, the brake pads will move closer together toward the disk to remove the layer of moisture that is on the disc.

Moisture on the disc can cause a delay in brake contact and therefore delays the slowing down of the vehicle.

According to West Chevrolet, when driving on wet roads traction is reduced by a third, which in turn increases braking distance.

One BMW driver wrote about the system on a public forum stating: "When the wipers are on, the brake pads will periodically be lightly squeezed onto the rotors by the stability control system.

"This wipes the water off the rotors and keeps the rotors dry for maximum braking ability.

"Both of my BMWs have this feature (2011 128i convertible and 328i wagon).

"It’s not noticeable other than in even streaming wet weather the brakes work wonderfully."

The brake drying is so subtle that the driver will not feel a difference but will be grateful.

One motorist told MB World: "I'm replacing my BMW with GL350 and was wondering if the GL has a brake drying feature?

"When the wipers are on the BMW pulses the brakes every so often to keep them dry.

"Here in BC, it rains a bit so it's nice to know that on long wet highway drives your brakes will be there."

The pulsing of the brakes automatically occurs in intervals of five to 10 minutes while the windshield wipers are operating.

Mercedes-Benz confirmed all cars have adaptive brake systems, which include brake drying.

West Chevrolet also recommended that drivers use a quarter to test the tread on the tires, which is key for wet weather driving.

The experts said: "Insert it upside down into your tire tread. If part of Washington's head is always covered by the tread, your tires have more than 4/32 of an inch of tread remaining.

"If the top of Washington's head is exposed at any point, you should replace the tires."

Tire pressures should also be checked once a month, windshield wipers should be checked for damage as that can impact visibility and all lights should be checked to ensure they all work.