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).
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.We are located only 3 min driving South West of Little Rays Reptile Zoo and Nature Centre and 4 min driving South West of Hamilton Indoor Go Karts.Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately if my car starts hydroplaning in the rain?
Stay calm, gently lift your foot off the accelerator and avoid sudden braking. Steer smoothly in the direction you want the vehicle to go (if the rear is sliding, steer into the skid) and wait for the tires to regain traction before making corrective inputs. Once control is regained, safely pull over if you feel shaken or unsure about continuing.
How can I reduce the risk of hydroplaning before I drive in rainy conditions?
Reduce risk by checking and maintaining proper tire tread depth and pressure, using effective windshield wipers, and ensuring headlights and taillights work. Slow down in wet conditions, avoid standing water, don’t use cruise control, increase following distance, and drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead when safe.
Are ABS brakes helpful during hydroplaning, and should I use the brake?
ABS (anti-lock braking systems) can help maintain steering control during heavy braking, but you should avoid heavy or sudden braking while hydroplaning. Instead, ease off the accelerator and steer to regain traction; apply light, controlled braking only after the tires have reconnected with the road surface if needed.
How does freezing rain or black ice change what I should do if my vehicle starts to hydroplane?
Freezing rain and black ice make traction recovery more difficult and slower. Follow the same steps—stay calm, lift off the accelerator, avoid hard braking, and steer gently—but allow much more distance and reduce speed significantly. Keep a safe distance from plows and salt trucks and drive only when necessary if conditions are severe.
What vehicle systems should I have inspected to help prevent hydroplaning-related loss of control?
Have your tires (tread depth, pressure, balancing), brakes (pads, rotors, emergency brake), and steering and suspension inspected and serviced as needed. Proper maintenance of these systems improves road contact and vehicle stability, reducing the chance of prolonged loss of control during wet or icy conditions.
