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When it is raining heavily, our vehicle is subject to a loss of grip caused by hydroplaning. This fact is often forgotten by consumers who sometimes underestimate the effects of water on the stability of our vehicle. To avoid this kind of situation, follow the same advice that you would normally follow in winter when the road is icy.
Here are some tips to help you avoid being a victim of hydroplaning this summer.
Avoid puddles
Hydroplaning can occur at any time on a wet road, but it is when driving over a puddle that you will most likely feel its effects. Make sure to reduce your speed and especially to avoid any water accumulation as much as possible. If we are not able to do so safely, try at least to avoid larger puddles that accumulate on the side of the highway during periods of heavy rain.
Make sure your tires are in good condition
It is very important to have tires that are not too worn if one wants to reduce the risk of hydroplaning. Given that your tires are the only point of contact between the road and the car, they must be in good condition and also be able to adequately dissipate water.
“Adequate summer tires are paramount in ensuring the safety and stability of our vehicle on a wet road. Like winter tires, there are good summer tires that will work better when they need to dissipate water,” says a service advisor at Bruce GM.
Drive progressively
When driving in conditions where the road is wet, it is imperative to reduce your vehicle’s speed, but also to drive progressively. This is the key that will prevent skidding due to hydroplaning. For example, if we lose control after driving over a deep pool of water, we must progressively release the accelerator, not necessarily apply the brakes immediately. The same principle applies if we are on a wet road and we must speed up or slow down. Be progressive as you would if the road was covered in snow.
