Hydroplaning
(Also Called Aquaplaning)
Slip ‘N Slide in the
backyard? Fun.
Slipping and sliding
all over the road when you’re driving your car in rainy weather? Terrifying.
If you’ve ever
hydroplaned, we’re sure you’d agree that it’s not a fun time.
Let’s take a look at
what’s happening when a vehicle is skidding and hydroplaning (also called
aquaplaning) on wet roadways and how you can prevent hydroplaning from
happening to you.
EXPLAINING HYDROPLANING
When a car hydroplanes, the vehicle
tires experience a loss of traction with the road and skid over the
surface of the water.
.
While most
vehicles are equipped with traction control and anti-lock brakes to help
keep your car from veering off the road and help you regain traction if
hydroplaning occurs, it’s still a scary situation that you should try to avoid.
That’s why it’s best to
keep clear if water depth builds up on the road surface causing puddles.
While it might seem like
common sense to avoid driving through heavy rain or deep puddles of
standing water caused by poor drainage, even small amounts of wet pavement on
the street can cause a vehicle’s tires to skid and the vehicle to
hydroplane.
This type of traction loss
can temporarily keep you from steering or braking.
Prevent hydroplaning by
reducing your speed if it’s raining or has recently rained.
It doesn’t have to be
pouring outside for hydroplaning to happen.
Vehicle speed and road
surface conditions are the major factors in hydroplaning.
Make sure all your vehicle
movements (including braking and accelerating) are gradual and careful in wet
weather.
We also recommend avoiding
cruise control when the roads are wet– it can make a
hydroplane a lot more dangerous.
This is the best way to
avoid skidding whether the roads are wet or not.
IF
IT HAPPENS TO YOU
Stay calm and apply the brakes gradually. |
Keep your hands on the
wheel and steer into the direction of the skid while applying gradual pressure
to your brakes until your vehicle slows enough for you to regain control.
Slamming on the brake
pedal will only make the skidding worse and could result in the loss of
directional control.
Again, do NOT rely on
quick braking if hydroplaning happens.
Your wheels won’t stop
they’ll just slide.
Avoid jerking the
wheel dramatically in the opposite direction.
Just keep steering and
try to brake gently.
Soon, you will feel
your vehicle regain traction and stop sliding.
DON’T
TREAD LIGHTLY
While hydroplaning is
always a possibility on wet roads, you can lower your chances by making sure
your tires have good rubber tread.
Tread is made up of
the rubber parts of the tire that actually make contact with the pavement.
The tread design and
the hollow grooves in tires work together to channel water away from the tire
to reduce and avoid hydroplaning.
As your tires get
older, the rubber wears down and the tire tread depth gets more shallow.
This can cause the tires to become less effective at preventing skids.
If the tread is worn down, set that tire free. |
It’s also helpful to
keep the right level of air pressure and to check this tire pressure in your
tires regularly.
Knowing how to control
emergency situations like hydroplaning is one of the most important aspects of
defensive driving.
The general rule of
thumb is to slow down when you’re driving on wet surfaces, you’re at the
highest risk of hydroplaning when you’re accelerating.
So there you have it,
some hydroplaning basics for driving in wet conditions. Be safe out there!
Make sure to check out
the rest of our safe driving videos for
more defensive driving tips to keep you in control on the road!
Defensive driving is
safe driving.
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