How Do You Avoid Hydroplaning ?

One of the big hazards of  rainstorms for drivers is hydroplaning, when your car loses contact with the ground, and instead floats uncontrollably on a layer of water. It seems impossible–a ton of vehicle being undone by less than a quarter-inch of water–but any heavy rain is guaranteed to bring hydroplaning wrecks.

Hydroplaning happens when the water on the road in front of your tires accumulates faster than your tires can push it out of the way. The water forces its way between the road and the tire, and raises the car via water pressure. Not a lot, just a tiny fraction of an inch… but that’s enough to make your car “float.”

The effect is like hitting a patch of ice–you lose control, including the ability to brake and steer.

The  following factors that contribute to the risk of hydroplaning during a storm:

1.    Depth of Tire Tread. Another good reason to check your tire tread–worn tires can’t channel water away, and are more likely to cause hydroplaning.

2.    Speed of Car. The faster you’re going, the greater the risk of hydroplaning. Slow down in a heavy downpour, even if you know the road.

3.    Depth of Water. The deeper the water, the more quickly you’ll lose traction. But you don’t have to have puddles to be at risk–even a strong rain can build up quickly.

It can be difficult to tell if you are hydroplaning before that frightening moment when you realize you have no control:

If you find yourself beginning to hydroplane, first, don’t panic…don’t apply brakes…don’t try to turn the steering wheel. These could throw you car into a skid. Instead:

·         Hold the steering wheel firmly, and keep going straight.

·         Ease your foot off the accelerator until you can feel the tires grip the road again, or until you come to a stop.

·         If you must apply brakes (and if you have anti-lock brakes), brake with a slow, steady pressure.

      Do not “pump” the brakes. The anti-lock mechanism automatically mimics pumping better than your foot can do it.

It is always important to drive at speeds appropriate to road conditions, and in a downpour, water accumulation is one of those “invisible” conditions.

                           Slow down in the rain…always.

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