If you’ve ever driven on a wet road and felt your car slip around, that’s hydroplaning, and it might mean you need a trip to your tire dealer. Understanding what causes hydroplaning can help you know how to handle it and prevent it, keeping you safe. The following is a guide covering what it is, what to do, and how tire service comes into play.

Why It Happens & What To Do

Hydroplaning occurs when your tires lose their grip on the road because they can’t move the water out of the way to grip the asphalt. Instead, the water forms a barrier between the tire tread and the road, preventing you from controlling your vehicle. This is possible when your tires hit a thin layer of water at a fast speed. The water’s surface tension is stable enough to hold your tires, letting them skim across the surface instead of breaking through to the pavement. Without a rough surface to grip, your tires have no traction, causing the car to slide out of your control.

When this happens, it’s crucial to remain calm and level-headed. Don’t slam on your brakes, as this can make hydroplaning more severe or cause your car to spin out. You also shouldn’t jerk your steering wheel around or overcorrect, either, as this could cause spinning, too, or for you to further lose control. Instead, ease your foot off the gas and move your steering wheel in the direction your car is going. Steer into it instead of trying to steer out of it, and you’ll eventually catch tread again.

How To Prevent It

A large factor in hydroplaning is often the need for tire service. A crucial part of auto maintenance is tire rotation, inspection, and replacement by a qualified tire dealer, who will ensure your tires have enough tread to drive safely. Without this maintenance, your tires will have low tread or could be warped or wearing unevenly, all of which reduce your tires’ grip on the road and make it easier for your car to slide. If you’ve hydroplaned, schedule an appointment at your tire dealer to have them inspected.

Beyond your tires, you should also make an effort to drive slower in the rain, as your tires will be in contact with water longer and break the surface tension this way. Avoid painted lines and markers in the road because their smoother surfaces are slicker than unpainted asphalt. Avoid slamming on the brakes and take turns slowly. If you can, avoid driving within thirty minutes of when it starts raining, as the first of the rain will hold car oils and lubricants, causing roads to be extra slick.

If you need tire or auto maintenance, trust the tire dealers and auto experts at Brothers Tire Sales in Kannapolis, NC. With over 200 years’ combined experience and 60 years in business, they offer competitive Michelin® and BF Goodrich® tires, and comprehensive maintenance and brake services. Shop for new tires online, or call (704) 933-2203 for an appointment.