The Basics Of Hydroplaning

Car accidents are happening every day, but a major reason behind it is hydroplaning. It is a phenomenon during which water lifts the car tyres enough to cause it to lose its traction. If not careful, fatal accidents can happen at any time. Hydroplaning makes it difficult for any car owner to control their vehicle. However, many are still unaware of the concept of hydroplaning. For better understanding and to protect yourself and your car, here are the basics of hydroplaning.

The Basic Understanding Of Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning mostly occurs in places where the roads are wet and icy, especially during the rainy and winter season. Hydroplaning means enough water present on the road, which causes the tyres to lose their rolling traction. With water, the tyres will start floating; in simple words, your car tyres will turn into a boat. Hydroplaning is a huge reason behind cars skidding and flipping, jeopardising your life.

Hydroplaning intensifies, even more, when there are oil residues present, which is often witnessed nowadays. This can make matters worse as your car all-season tyres Bolton can undergo hydroplaning even when there has been light or mild rain.

Under What Conditions Hydroplaning Can Happen?

You can easily look at the weather forecast to become cautious beforehand and drive slowly if there are chances of heavy downpour or snowfall. If still not a pro at driving, it is better to stick at home with heavy rain or flooding. However, hydroplaning is not the same as skidding on icy roads. The three main elements behind hydroplaning would be increased tread wear and tear, water alongside speed.

No matter the level of water, if driving on pavements, hydroplaning can happen anytime. The water starts dispersing and moving towards the front tyres when trying to drive. When the water builds up, the water will then lift your vehicle tyres and make you lose your handling and control of the steering.

Driving fast on wet roads can increase hydroplaning too. If your tyres tread depth is below 1.6mm or worn out, it creates less traction. Also, bald tyres add to hydroplaning accidents. Once you understand the conditions behind hydroplaning, you can then understand and learn how to avoid it.

How To Successfully Avoid Hydroplaning?

Make sure that your tyres are well within the tread depth limit and if not, replace them as soon as possible. As tread depth decreases, the chances of hydroplaning increases. Modern tyres come with tread depth indicators and, as the tread starts wearing out, the indicators become visible.

Oil maintenance should be done frequently to keep the internal car components in great condition. Along with oil change, make sure to rotate your tyres every time. You could rotate them after covering every 4,000 miles.

Maintaining tyres Bolton pressure might seem like a negligible factor; however, underinflated tyres mean more surface contact, increasing chances of hydroplaning. When the outside temperature falls, tyres start compressing and, therefore, the pressure decreases. Get them properly inflated every time.

When it is raining, avoid driving at high speed and drive straight and slowly. With an increase in every speed(mph), you are jeopardising your life. Reduce the car velocity the moment it starts raining or you are driving on flooded streets.

Follow the tracks of other cars when driving during rain. The water would be already displaced, leaving a manageable amount for you, decreasing chances of hydroplaning. Make sure you maintain distance from the other cars while driving.

Most modern cars come with cruise control features. While they are good for long trips, they are not so during the rainy season. When cruise control is on, you become less aware of the road and your speed. With cruise control, some cars might use more power or even apply brakes.

Even if there is hydroplaning, maintain calm because accidents can happen easily when you start panicking. Use controlled motions and do not stomp on the brake. Instead, reduce the driving speed slowly and try stopping the car. Hydroplaning is dangerous, and understanding the underlying reasons and preventive methods can help you avoid them.