What is Hydroplaning?
If you have felt your vehicle is out of control, while driving on a wet road or through a puddle, it has major chances that you are experiencing hydroplaning. Hydroplaning is basically when water separates your tyre and you lose traction with the road. When your tyre’s tread is unable to displace water, when it has contact on a wet road and the vehicle starts skidding it is called hydroplaning. Read the article further to understand how it is caused and how to prevent it.
How is it Caused?
Many factors trigger hydroplaning such as increasing speed, tread depth, design, water depth, and road conditions. The speed causes increased water build-up and tyre does not displace it because of loss of contact with the ground. Tread plays an important role in this as the experts claim the deeper the tread is it performs better on wet surfaces. Road conditions contribute a lot in the case of hydroplaning.
How to Prevent it?
Hydroplaning can be prevented in the steps mentioned below:
- Reduce speed- Mostly hydroplaning happens because of speed and the best way to counter this is to reduce the speed in rainy seasons or while driving on wet surfaces. Also, avoid sudden acceleration so you do not lose control over your vehicle.
- Selection of Tyres- Seek a professional while selecting your tyres and get high-quality tyres, which have proper tread patterns and that are selected to stop hydroplaning. Slick and worn tires are more prone to hydroplaning.
- Tyre Servicing- It is recommended to get your tyre servicing done before the monsoon season. Wheel balancing and tyre rotation should be done. Potholes and water puddles should be avoided.
It is the type of condition which can never be predicted. It is instant and drivers can only take extra precautions.