Regardless of how familiar with it we are, driving in the rain can be dangerous, from decreased visibility to losing contact with the road itself. Ever felt your car suddenly lose control and seem to float across the road? That, my friends, is hydroplaning, and today we’re going to talk about how to avoid it, and in the inevitable event you experience it, how to handle it.
What is hydroplaning?
Imagine your tires gliding on a thin layer of water instead of gripping the road. That's essentially what happens during hydroplaning. When heavy rain accumulates on the pavement and your tires can't displace the water fast enough, they lose contact with the road, essentially transforming your car into a boat on asphalt. Not ideal.
So, what do you do if you find yourself hydroplaning?
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Stay calm: Possibly easier said than done for newer drivers, but panicking will only make things worse. Just remember, you can regain control.
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Ease off the gas: Do NOT slam on the brakes, as this can lock your wheels and make things much worse. Decreasing your speed allows your tires to catch up with displacing the water beneath them, meaning they can regain their “footing”.
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Steer gently in the direction you want to go: Even if you’re getting a bit of rotation, be careful not to jerk the wheel. If your tires aren’t aligned with the direction you’re wanting to go, once you slow down and your tires make contact with the road once more it will snap you in that direction.
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Wait for your tires to regain traction: You'll feel the car start to grip the road again. Once you do, slowly and carefully resume driving… and don’t forget to breathe.
Prevention is key! How to avoid hydroplaning:
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Slow down: We’ve mentioned speed a lot already, so no surprise here: the faster you're going, the more likely you are to hydroplane. Adjust your speed according to the weather conditions. In the worst conditions hydroplaning can be a threat at as low as 35 miles per hour.
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Maintain proper tire tread depth: Worn tires have less ability to channel water away, making them more susceptible to hydroplaning. Experts recommend replacing tires when the tread depth reaches 2/32 inches.
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Keep your tires properly inflated: Over and underinflated tires create a malformed contact patch with the street, meaning even less traction.
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Use caution on standing water: Avoid puddles and flooded areas (who have a bevy of their own issues), especially if they appear deep.
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Increase following distance: Giving the driver ahead of you plenty of space gives you more time to react if you, or they, encounter hydroplaning. An out of control vehicle isn’t just an issue for that driver alone.
Speaking of tires...
Remember, taking care of your car and driving defensively can significantly reduce your risk of hydroplaning. So, stay safe on the roads, and if you ever find yourself hydroplaning, keep these tips in mind. And hey, if you're due for new tires or need a rotation, we're always here to help!
Drive safely, friends!