Hydroplaning: How to Avoid It and Recover from It

Hydroplaning happens when your tires are no longer in contact with the road surface in wet weather. Vehicles go into a skid due to wet conditions. Hydroplaning can mean losing control of the car and, in a worst-case scenario, lead to a bad accident. Even the best drivers can find themselves in a hydroplaning car. Learn what to do if you hydroplane and how to prevent it.

What Causes Hydroplaning

Also known as aquaplaning, hydroplaning occurs in wet road conditions, especially with standing water deeper than one-tenth of an inch. It does not take much water to cause hydroplaning in a car. The combination of a small amount of water with the oil on the road rapidly causes slipperiness. Drivers may prove even more vulnerable to hydroplaning in shallow water since most people will slow down considerably on flooded roadways.

In wet weather, the faster the speed, the more likely hydroplaning will occur. The risk of hydroplaning increases at speeds as low as 35 mph.

Tire tread depth affects the likelihood of hydroplaning, with worn tires being more susceptible. Tires have grooves designed to wick away water and cause it to scatter. When tires are worn, the grooves become shallow and can’t channel water effectively.

Lighter vehicles are more prone to hydroplaning than heavier ones. The weight of larger vehicles pushes tires into the road surface, allowing for better traction as water is displaced from beneath it.

Road conditions affect the chances of hydroplaning during a rainstorm. A well-maintained roadway will not have the water-collection issues that drivers on streets full of potholes or ruts must face. However, hydroplaning can happen on any road.

How to Avoid Hydroplaning

When it starts to rain, be on high alert behind the wheel. The oil on the road mixes with the rainwater to produce a slippery substance that can be extremely dangerous. Eventually, if you get enough rain, the water will wash the road clean, so conditions should become less risky. But for the first ten to fifteen minutes, slow down and keep an eye out for other drivers skidding. Also, leave more space between you and the car in front.

Slow Down

While it isn’t always possible to avoid this situation, there are ways to reduce the odds. Here are some tips:

• Reduce your speed on wet roads, especially during the first 10-15 minutes of rainfall. That’s when hydroplaning is more likely to happen. Along with reducing your hydroplaning risk, you also lessen the likelihood of other types of accidents. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 75 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on wet pavement, and 47 percent happen during rainfall every year.
• Inspect your tires regularly and keep them in good condition. Always maintain proper tire inflation, rotation, and replacement. Make a habit of getting your tires rotated whenever the oil is changed in your vehicle.
• Avoid puddles and standing water. Going through them could trigger hydroplaning.
• Turn off cruise control in wet conditions. Braking is easier when cruise control is off. Time is of the essence when hydroplaning, so you don’t want to disable cruise control while trying to avoid skidding.
• Drive in a lower gear when roads are wet. This increases traction and keeps you from driving too fast.
• Increase your following distance to 3-4 seconds or more. This gives you additional stopping time in case there’s another car in front of you.
• Follow the tracks of the vehicle ahead of you. That car is displacing water, so your automobile has less contact with it.
• If possible, stay away from the outer lanes. That is where water generally accumulates.
• In a hydroplane car, always take it slow when easing the accelerator or releasing the break. Avoid quick, aggressive deceleration or braking. The same holds true for making sharp turns. Keep any steering corrections small.

How to Recover from Hydroplaning

What to do if you start hydroplaning? It can be alarming when this happens, but it’s important to stay calm. While you should take your foot off the accelerator immediately, do not apply the brakes suddenly. Instead, turn the steering wheel gently in the direction in which the car is hydroplaning. Although it may seem like an eternity when you’re behind the wheel, in reality, the skid lasts just seconds.

Wait for the tires to regain traction with the road surface to determine whether the hydroplaning is done. You will feel the tires reconnect with the road. That is when you ease the brake.

If the hydroplaning causes your car to leave the road and you can’t get back onto it, call for roadside assistance.

Once you’ve regained control, slow down and consider pulling over to recover. You’ve just endured a frightening experience, and you need some time to breathe and get back to normal before continuing on your journey. When you get home safely, consider calling Wawanesa to make sure your insurance coverage is up to date and will cover any future weather conditions you may encounter. It’s one less thing to worry about.