When the tyres of your car begins to drive over water instead of the surface of the road, the phenomena of hydroplaning, also known as “aquaplaning,” happens. Contrary to common belief, hydroplaning can still occur on somewhat damp roads. Driving in torrential downpours or on roads that are still a little damp from a storm that passed through hours earlier both provide a very real risk of hydroplaning, which drivers should strive to avoid at all costs. Even the most seasoned drivers find hydroplaning to be frightening since it leaves them feeling helpless and unable to steer their cars.
Most drivers only have a vague understanding of what hydroplaning is and how to avoid it. We hope this article has given you the knowledge you need to keep your car in top working condition so that you can help avoid these risky scenarios. Avoiding hydroplaning is not that difficult if you know how it happens. When driving in the rain or on slick roads, there are a few things you can do to reduce your chances of losing control of your car.
To prevent hydroplaning, which is different from sliding on snow and ice, let off the throttle. Applying the brakes or attempting to manoeuvre into or out of a skid or spin is not advised. Hydroplaning often lasts just a few seconds.
Until it’s over, ease off if you unintentionally use the brakes out of impulse. Additionally, if your vehicle has a manual transmission, you should keep the clutch pedal depressed. Additionally, refrain from yanking the wheel or slamming on the brakes. As a result, you can spiral out of control. When you come out of the skid is the best time to brake. Read the following tips and use it the next time you’re driving on a slippery road:
Techniques to Prevent Hydroplaning
1 Take it more slowly
The majority of auto safety experts agree that speeds above 35 mph are when hydroplaning is most likely to occur. Reduce your speed sharply as soon as the first drops touch your windshield. It’s recommended to travel five to ten miles per hour slower than the posted speed limit when it’s really windy or raining heavily. When you quickly accelerate while overtaking, you face a greater danger of hydroplaning. At all costs, avoid accelerating unexpectedly.
2 Properly and routinely rotate and balance your tyres.
On slick roads, maintaining correct tyre pressure will also help you avoid hydroplaning. You should have the tyres Bolton rotated and balanced every other time you get your car’s oil changed, or roughly every seven to ten thousand miles.
3.Select Top-Notch Tyres
This is especially important for drivers who live in regularly rainy regions of the country. Replace your tyres frequently. Driving on bald or slick tyres can be risky on slick roads.
4 Avoiding Day Cruises in the Rain
Using cruise control while driving in the rain is dangerous. Never use your car’s cruise control when driving in the rain or on wet roads.
If you were using cruise control and began to hydroplane, it would take longer for you to switch it off before you could begin to regain control of your vehicle.
5 Avoid standing water and puddles.
If at all possible, stay away from any areas of the road where it appears like water has accumulated. All that is necessary for hydroplaning to happen is a thin water layer. If you are driving over standing water and can see it, your automobile will probably hydroplane.
Even with the greatest efforts of the driver, hydroplaning can occasionally occur. If your car begins hydroplaning on a wet road surface, you can take a variety of steps to regain control:
What to Do If You Hydroplane?
- Immediately take your foot off the gas pedal. You should never use your brakes to stop hydroplaning. If you suddenly brake on a wet road, your car could completely lose control.
- It may sound paradoxical, but turn the steering wheel just a little bit in the direction your car is hydroplaning. Your tyres will realign themselves with the direction that your automobile is traveling, and you’ll be able to take back control of the steering.
- Refrain from moving until you feel the tyres reconnect with the pavement. The driver can see the automobile right away once it has moved out of the hydroplaning situation.
- If you are able to stop hydroplaning on a wet road, you might need to pause for a minute to gather your thoughts and relax after such a horrible ordeal.
Every motorist must use extra caution to prevent hydroplaning with their vehicle. Use the safety tips indicated above to restore control of your car as quickly as possible if it hydroplanes. You can avoid hydroplaning by traveling at speeds that are appropriate for the kind of road and tyre wear.
In addition to inspecting the condition of your Bridgestone Tyres Bolton, it’s important to maintain adequate tyre pressure and keep an eye on your windshield wipers. If you really must go off-road, drive carefully in bad weather and pay attention to any potential puddles.
