What to Do When Your Car Is Hydroplaning in the Rain (updated)

Do you know what to do when hydroplaning in the rain when you drive in Hamilton Ontario?

Rainy (fall) weather in Hamilton can be a particularly difficult time for drivers, especially if they are less experienced in driving in this kind of conditions (or in general). Nearly half of all traffic accidents – 46% – happen because of wet driving conditions. The main problem is not the ponds that are created in the streets whenever it rains, whether it’s a downpour or a sprinkle, but the fact that any kind of damp film between the tires and the road surface can cause the vehicle to “float” or hydroplane. This can lead to the inexperienced driver panicking and making a serious mistake which can lead them into an accident. Stick with us to see if you have what it takes to drive in the rain and what is the proper way to do it in Hamilton.

What Is Hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning (also known as “aquaplaning”) happens when the tires of your vehicle begin to ride on top of standing water instead of the surface of the road resulting in loss of contact with the ground, slippage or even complete loss of control of the vehicle. Contrary to most drivers’ beliefs, hydroplaning can occur even when the roads are only slightly damp. Whether you are driving in torrential rain or on roads that are still just a little damp from a shower that passed through hours ago, hydroplaning is a very real possibility and something that drivers should try to avoid at all costs.

What Should You Do to Prevent Hydroplaning?

There are a few simple pieces of advice any driver can follow:

• Avoid driving in heavy rain (wait for better weather to drive in if possible)
• Check your car (tire tread depth, headlights, taillights and windshield wipers to make sure that they will work efficiently when they are needed)
• Slow down (no need to speed in the rain)
• Grip the steering wheel with both hands (to ensure maximum vehicle control)
• Don’t brake or turn abruptly (to avoid skidding or spinning)
• Don’t use cruise control (be alert and attentive)
• Avoid standing water on the road (you can hydroplane and lose control over the vehicle or distract other drivers by splashing them)
• Drive in the tracks of the vehicle in front of you (it’s the driest part of the road)
• Increase your following distance (give others and yourself plenty of room to drive safely in difficult conditions)
• Defog the windows (to see clearly).

Aside from this, Goodyear experts say that in order to prevent the car from sliding, it is paramount to recognize slipping on time and responding properly. The signs of hydroplaning are faster turning of the drive wheels, a louder engine, rapid increase in speed, “easy” and inefficient steering wheel and drift of the rear of the vehicle.

The Car Is Skidding in Rain – What Now?

However, if hydroplaning does happen to you, it is important to remain calm, focused and try not to panic. Immediately take your foot off of the accelerator and avoid heavy pressure on the brake pedal. Never use your brakes to respond to hydroplaning. Sudden braking on a wet roadway can cause your car to skid completely out of control.
Turn your steering wheel in the opposite direction of the way your car is skidding in, to try and rein it in and assist you in regaining full steering control – wait to feel the tires reconnect with the surface of the road.
After successfully recovering from hydroplaning on a wet road, you may need to pull over and take a few moments to calm down from this terrifying event before you continue driving.
Have in mind that modern vehicles have an ABS system which allows for faster braking and easier regaining control of the vehicle, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t follow the guidelines provided above.
Interesting fact: Did you know the first fully-electronic anti-lock braking system (ABS) was originally developed for the Concorde aircraft? The ABS we use in vehicles today, was invented in 1971 at the Fiat Research Center, now incorporated into Stellantis.

What Should You Do When Hydroplaning in Freezing Rain?

Are you wondering what to do when hydroplaning in freezing rain? Should you do something different? We all know how dangerous it is to drive on black ice formed due to freezing rain. Follow the same guidelines for hydroplaning in the rain, but be even more cautious. It is not always possible to avoid going out in bad weather, so if you must drive in freezing rain, give yourself more time to get to your destination.
Salt trucks and other maintenance vehicles are always out in bad weather, salting or sanding the roads. Avoid driving next to them; rather keep a safe distance behind the vehicle. Their tracks definitely break any ice forming on the road. Keep your foot very light on the brakes, even when your car has ABS, and don’t be distracted by music or your phone. Focus on getting home safely through the freezing rain.

Be Safe With Services From CRS Automotive Hamilton

You know what to do when your car is hydroplaning. What keeps you safe? A calm mind, advanced knowledge of the actions you need to take or avoid, and well-maintained steering, suspension, tires, and brakes. Yes, even though you avoid using the car’s brakes, they must be in good condition. CRS Automotive Hamilton can service the following to keep you safe, among our many offerings.
Steering and suspension. Your vehicle’s steering wheel is connected to the suspension system, and both are vital to maintaining steering control when hydroplaning. We will inspect your car’s suspension system if you are unsure of its condition, and then make the necessary repairs.
Brakes. To manage the hydroplaning process, you are told to avoid heavy pressure on the brake pedal. Maintaining your vehicle’s brakes is non-negotiable. At CRS Automotive Hamilton, our car brake services include a vehicle front and rear brake pad inspection, brake pad installation, and emergency brake repair.
Tires. Tire tread depth impacts your vehicle’s ability to reconnect with the road surface after hydroplaning. Underperforming tires can place you and your loved ones at high risk, so bring your car to us for complete tire services.
CRS Automotive Hamilton offers auto repair services seven days a week, and the location is open late for the convenience of our customers. We have the training and equipment to ensure maintenance and repairs are done right the first time.

To ensure the vehicle is in top condition, now that you know what to do when hydroplaning, bring it to CRS Automotive Hamilton for a full service.