How A Driver Can Avoid Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning is when a vehicle’s tires begin to move on the surface of standing water left on the road by heavy downpours instead of the road itself. Contrary to what some drivers believe, it’s possible to hydroplane on fairly damp roads. Hydroplaning on major roads exposes drivers to the risk of collision.

It’s not difficult to avoid hydroplaning if you know when to expect it. However, to do so, you must keep a few things at the back of your mind while driving in wet conditions. we put together a few driving safety tips to minimize the chances of losing control of your vehicle while driving on wet roadways

What is Hydroplaning?

The word hydroplaning simply refers to the tires of motor vehicles sliding across wet and slippery roads. In other words, hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle’s tires drive across a significant quantity of water, more than it scatters the water.

When this happens, water pressure is forced under a car’s tires until it loses contact with the actual road surface. This loss of traction causes drivers to temporarily lose control of their vehicles, making it almost impossible to use the brake.

Why And When Hydroplaning Occurs

As mentioned earlier, it’s possible to hydroplane on any wet surface, although the first 15 minutes after rainfall, no matter how brief, can be very dangerous for drivers.

A particularly nasty combination is when rainwater and oil residue mix on the road. When this happens, that particular area of the road becomes slippery enough to cause vehicles traveling at speeds of 30 mph and above to hydroplane, possibly leading to a fatal accident.

The possibility of being involved in a car crash intensifies under bad weather conditions like snow, rainstorms, and fog. Still, this danger doesn’t lie in the blinding snow or raging rain. Drivers need to be concerned with and prepared for slick road conditions, especially oil residue, and the perception that small puddles can’t be dangerous.

How To Prevent Hydroplaning

While it’s possible to regain control of your vehicle when hydroplaning, it’s best to avoid it entirely for your personal safety and that of other drivers, bikers and pedestrians.

1. Take Your Foot Off The Gas

Most road safety experts agree that there is a relatively high chance of hydroplaning when driving at speeds over 30 miles per hour. You might want to ease up on the accelerator when a few raindrops hit your windshield.

It’s much safer to go at speeds 5 to 8 miles lower than the official speed limit. Consider going even slower in windy conditions and in heavy downpours. Also speed bursts during wet conditions won’t do you any good it’ll only double the risk of hydroplaning.

2. Choose Quality Tires Built To Prevent Hydroplaning

This applies to drivers in general, but if you live in the country or an area with frequent rainfall, you should consider getting high-quality tires.

It helps to replace your tires now and then as tires tend to wear over time which can be detrimental on wet and slippery roads. Talk to your mechanic or tire specialist if you are unsure of the condition of your tires.

3. Rotate and Balance Your Tires

Ensuring your tires stay in tune is one of the best ways to keep your vehicle from hydroplaning on wet surfaces. Consider having your tires rotated when changing your car’s oil.

4. Deactivate Cruise Control When Driving In Rainy Conditions

Avoid using your car’s cruise control feature on wet roads and whenever there’s a heavy downpour. Hydroplaning with an activated cruise control function will most definitely take you longer to regain control of your car.

5. Avoid Puddles and Standing Water

It’s best to avoid driving on areas of the road with puddles and standing water. Even the slightest film of water can cause your vehicle to hydroplane. Therefore, whenever you spot puddles or standing water while driving, it’s advisable to avoid them or slow down considerably.

Tips For Recovering From Hydroplaning

There are rare instances where it’s practically impossible to avoid hydroplaning. The instant you notice your vehicle hydroplaning, ensure to implement each of the steps below to regain control of your vehicle.

1. Take Your Foot Off The Gas Immediately

The situation will likely get out of hand if you don’t take action immediately. It’s imperative that you gently take your foot off the accelerator instead of using the brakes because braking can cause your vehicle to swerve out of control.

2. Don’t Turn Your Car To The Opposite Direction It’s Hydroplaning

While it might seem illogical, an effective way to stop your car from hydroplaning any further is if you gently turn your steering wheel toward the direction your vehicle is hydroplaning. Doing this will help your tires regain traction and give you steering control.

3. Stay Put Until Your Tires Reconnect With The Road

While it can be very frightening, sometimes all you have to do is let things take their course, and before you know it, you’ll start to feel your tires recontact the road’s surface. By the feel of your car, it should be obvious when the hydroplaning situation is over.

4. Pull Over And Take A Moment To Calm Your Nerves Before Getting Back On The Road

Once you’ve regained control of your vehicle after hydroplaning, consider pulling over to calm your nerves and recover from the incident.

What Does It Feel Like When Hydroplaning?

As your vehicle starts to hydroplane, you’ll feel your front tires and rear tires spin faster, almost like they’re drifting on their own.

When your car hydroplanes, you’ll likely be unable to brake. Also, trying to control the steering would have little or no effect. The level of control you’ll have while your vehicle hydroplanes depends on how fast you were driving when you began hydroplaning.

In some instances you’ll notice your car skidding or veering sideways, which can be particularly dangerous on high-traffic roads.

Tips For Driving In The Rain

Choosing high-quality, adequate tread tires with good air pressure that can channel water efficiently is essential. Tires of this caliber don’t get tread wear easily and don’t easily lose traction. Below are a few tips to ensure your safety on rainy days.

1. Avoid Bald Tires

It’s bad to speed on wet pavement with bald tire tread because such tires have very little or no traction.

2. Hold Out Until The Storm Passes

This could be your best course of action if you feel your tires are beginning to wear and need replacement. Always inspect your tires regularly and properly inflate them, as tires with worn-out grooves and treads lack the right amount of traction to drive on wet roads without hydroplaning. Even if your tires are in good shape, sometimes it’s best to play it safe and wait till the storm passes.

3. Avoid Driving On A Wet Road With Your Headlights Off

With your headlights on, you’ll be able to see the road better. Also, other drivers will be able to spot your car quickly, reducing the risk of a fatal crash on days with heavy rain. It’s also best to slow down and avoid making sharp turns when it’s raining.

4. Avoid Sudden Acceleration And Sudden Braking

The risk of hydroplaning is significantly reduced when you drive at speeds below 35 mph. No matter how much of a hurry you’re in, it’s best to avoid speeding and hard braking when it’s raining.

5. Leave Enough Space Between Your Car And Other Vehicles

Just as it’s important to leave enough following space when driving on snow, so must you leave enough room between yourself and other drivers when driving in rainstorms.

5. Take A Defensive Driving Course

A defensive driving course is a great way to improve your driving skills and better prepare you for dangerous driving conditions.

Final Words

All drivers must be extra cautious when driving in bad weather conditions to prevent their vehicles from hydroplaning. If your vehicle hydroplanes any way, by following the safety tips listed above, you’re in a better position to regain control quickly and effectively.