How do you avoid hydroplaning?
By msedge
@msedge (4011)
United States
August 8, 2008 3:54pm CST
Driving in the rain can be a harrowing experience, but it becomes considerably more so if you are going too fast. A wedge of water builds up in front of your tires, and if you go too fast, the tires themselves can actually begin spinning on the surface of the water. If you have ever had this experience before, you know that hydroplaning feels like driving on ice--a terrifying situation you want to avoid at all costs.To prevent the problem,slow down when it starts to rain. High speeds are the number one cause of hydroplaning, and slower speeds can help you avoid the issue before it arises.Rotate your tires and replace them when the tread becomes worn. Treads are supposed to shunt water away from the wheels--once they wear down, you are far more likely to lose control. Turn off cruise control at the first sign of rain! This otherwise convenient driving system can be deadly if it continues spinning the tires while you are hydroplaning.
4 responses
@zeroflashx2 (2491)
• Philippines
10 Aug 08
My goodness. I can still remember an incident that happened back in 2002. I was on my way to school and it was raining pretty hard. My route to my school includes a 5 mile drive on a hi-way. I was still a drag racer back then and it was the time when I made a wrong decision. I sped up to almost 80 mph. I can't remember why I did that, probably I'm gonna be late. But what happened is that a jeepney (public transportation here in the Philippines) stopped abruptly in front of me but was still around 50 meters away.
I then tried to veer right but to my surprise, instead of changing lanes, my car still went straight and I can't feel the wheels touching the road somehow. I don't have ABS braking system so I just tried to emulate it by quickly pressing and depressing the brakes. I skid but fortunately, I was able to control the car and I didn't hit the other vehicle. It never happened again. I just slow down the road is wet. I do not to go past 40-45mph. Happy drivin'! 
You learn a lesson!
@meemaw (67)
• United States
9 Aug 08
yes I agree I hate to hydroplan,so when its raining I slow down specially if I cant see to good because of the rain,I was on my way to a griends house this morning it started raining and I slowed way down,there was two other lanes so the people just went around me.I wish everybody would slow down when it is raining.
@neildc (17239)
• Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines
9 Aug 08
i don't think i am fit to do or try hydroplaning. i think it is only for 4 wheeled vehicles. of course, with my motorcycle, whether it shines or it rains, the number one you should put in mind is safety. i cannot drive so fast, i don't want to lose control, i don't want to put myself in trouble. (neildc @ red/88/1515)
(neildc @ red/88/1515)
@greenglitterturtle (2750)
• United States
8 Aug 08
hi msedge...i just had my tires rotated with my last oil change. yes we do need to watch our speed. i had an experience today that scared me a little. i put my brake on to stop at a stop sign and my car slid on grass clippings that covered the road. i wasn't going too fast so it wasn't bad. i just don't like that vibration you feel when your braking and sliding. i stopped in time but didn't consider the grass clipping would give an effect like that.
