Hydroplaning, also known as aquaplaning, is a dangerous driving condition that occurs when water causes a vehicles tires to lose contact with the road surface. When a tire can't disperse water quickly enough, the contact patch starts to ride on the surface of the water, not the road, resulting in hydroplaning. Hydroplaning can occur on any wet road surface, but it is more common during the first 10 minutes of a light rain, when oil and other vehicle fluids mix with water on the road surface. Hydroplaning can cause a loss of steering, braking, and power control, making it a serious hazard for drivers. To avoid hydroplaning, drivers should:
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Slow down: Reducing speed can help prevent hydroplaning by giving the tires more time to disperse water and maintain contact with the road surface.
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Maintain tires: Properly inflated tires with good tread depth can help prevent hydroplaning by channeling water away from the tire.
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Avoid standing water: Drivers should avoid driving through standing water whenever possible, as it increases the risk of hydroplaning.
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Avoid sudden movements: Sudden braking or steering can cause the car to spin further out of control when hydroplaning, so drivers should avoid sudden movements and instead gradually steer in the direction the car is hydroplaning.
If hydroplaning does occur, drivers should take their foot off the gas pedal and avoid sudden braking, as this can cause the car to spin further out of control. Gradually steering in the direction the car is hydroplaning can help the tires regain contact with the road surface.
