Hydroplaning happens as water starts to separate your tires from the road, causing your tires to lose traction and you to lose control of your vehicle. It can happen in as little as a tenth of an inch of water, going 45 miles per hour.
Before you head out to your destination, make sure your tires are in good condition. If you put a penny in the tread of your tires, you should be able to cover some of Lincoln’s head. If not, it is time to buy new tires.
Here are some tips if you find yourself slipping:
- Keep calm. The most important thing to do is stay focused before you lose more control.
- Avoid sudden breaking or accelerating. Hydroplaning causes the front tires to lose traction, so if you were to suddenly break, it would slow the front tires but lock the rear tires. This is what causes cars to spin out. Sudden acceleration could lead you into a hazard if you are to spin.
- Turn your steering wheel in the direction your car is hydroplaning. Your tires will realign with the direction your vehicle is travelling and help you gain control.
- Never drive with cruise control in the rain. Your car might think your car is slowing down from the build up of water and speed up to compensate. This makes your car shift to a lower gear and build up even more water under your tires.