How to Prevent Hydroplaning
With the warmer weather of Spring and Summer, comes more rain. Driving can be dangerous in any conditions, but when the roads become soaked with rain, you run the risk of hydroplaning. Hydroplaning occurs when a sheet of water comes between your car's tire and the pavement. Because of wear or poor drainage on the road, the tire cannot move the water out of the way fast enough. The rubber doesn't touch the road, the vehicle loses traction and the driver loses control of steering. It feels similar to sliding on a sheet of ice, and can be just as dangerous.
There are many different factors that can affect the speed at which a tire will hydroplane including the water depth, the speed and weight of the vehicle, the width of the tire, the depth of the tread and even the tread patterns. However, all tires will hydroplane with the right combination of speed and water depth.
Surprisingly many people do not know what to do when their car hydroplanes. Below are three important things to remember to do if you begin to hydroplane:
- Most importantly, stay calm and not touch the brakes or turn suddenly.
- Begin to slow down by lifting your foot slowly off of the accelerator pedal. If you are driving a standard shifting vehicle, push the clutch in and let the car coast until the hydroplaning stops.
- If braking is needed, pump the brakes gently, do not slam them on.
There are also some preventative measures you can take to help avoid hydroplaning. These include:
- Maintain good tire tread since balding tires can increase your risk of hydroplaning greatly.
- Maintain proper tire pressure. Always go by what your car's owner manual lists as the proper tire pressure for your vehicle, don't go by the numbers that are on the tire itself.
- Act accordingly when driving on ice or in the rain. Always drive slower than you would in dry weather. A good rule of thumb is to reduce your speed by one third.
- Never use your vehicle's cruise control. When the cruise control option is engaged, your vehicle will actually increase its speed when the drive wheels lose traction.
In addition to the above precautions, when driving in rainy or inclement weather always wear your seatbelt, turn on your headlights, and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. In addition, don't forget to check your windshield wipers to ensure they are working properly.
Author Note: Alaina is the owner and author of Bullock's Buzz - http://bullocksbuzz.com, where you will find a mix of informative product reviews, great recipes, giveaways, crafts, and DIY! Visit her on Facebook!