Driving on wet roads can sometimes lead to hydroplaning. While this can be a startling experience if you aren’t prepared for it, it’s important to remember not to panic. As long as you don’t brake or accelerate suddenly, you may be able to regain control of the car or guide it to an open space where you can coast to safety. To learn about measures you can take to avoid hydroplaning, check out the guide below.

What is Hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning occurs when your car’s tires lose traction with the road. It occurs in rainy or snowy weather and involves water entering the space between the tire and the road, causing your car to lose its footing. This most often leads to a loss of steering control, which can cause your car to spin out unless you take corrective measures.

How Can You Avoid It?

Ensure Your Tires are Water-Ready

The tread on each of your tires is designed to create friction with the road surface. However, the tread needs to be thick enough to grip the road. Test tread thickness by placing a penny upside down in the tire tread. If Lincoln’s face is hidden, your tread is thick enough. Otherwise, consider changing your tires. Additionally, have your tires rotated and balanced every other time you have your oil changed or after every 7,000 to 10,000 miles of driving.

Avoid Standing Water

Because it only takes a small amount of water to cause hydroplaning, stay away from any standing water on the road. Avoid outer lanes when possible, as this is where excess water tends to accumulate.

Reduce Your Speed

When driving in the rain, slow down significantly. Hydroplaning is most likely to occur when your speed exceeds 35 miles per hour. Quick acceleration increases your chances of hydroplaning, so avoid passing other vehicles when you’re driving on a slick road.

Don’t Use Cruise Control

Never use cruise control when driving on wet roads. The feature tries to keep your vehicle moving at a constant speed, and it requires you to apply the brakes to disable it. If your car starts to hydroplane, you’ll have to disable cruise control before you can regain control of the car, and the sudden braking will worsen the skidding.

 

 

Learn more about safe driving practices by working with the experienced driving instructors at Eaton Driving School. Located in Rochester, NY, they provide teen and adult drivers with lessons customized to fit individual skill levels. With over 30 years of experience and reasonably priced classes, this driver’s education company allows clients to move at their own pace and learn as they go. To schedule your private driving lessons, give them a call today at (585) 227-4800 or visit their website to learn more.
  Want to receive weekly tips, special offers, and appointment reminders? Text JOIN to (585) 484-8756 to enroll in our Text Messaging Program!