Hydroplaning: What It Is and How to Avoid It

TL;DR? This guide answers these questions

• Hydroplane car meaning: When a vehicle skims or skids on water
• At what speed does hydroplaning occur: Typically around 45 MPH, but under certain conditions it can happen at slower speeds.
• Hydroplaning is caused by: Driving too fast in wet/rainy conditions and with tires that have low tread depth.
• If you start to hydroplane, what should you do: Don't brake. Don't jerk the steering wheel. Steer straight, take your foot off the gas, and resume driving when you feel traction.
• What does hydroplaning feel like? It feels like you've lost control of your vehicle, like your vehicle is drifting or floating.   

What Is Hydroplaning?

The definition of hydroplane is to skim or skid on water. In automotive terms, hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between the tires of a vehicle and the road surface. The water causes the tires to lose contact with the road, leading to a loss of traction and control. Hydroplaning typically happens when driving on wet or rainy surfaces, which can be a significant safety concern.

Hydroplaning begins when the tire treads are unable to displace the water on the road quickly. As a result, a thin film of water forms under the tires, creating a barrier between the rubber and the road. When this happens, the vehicle can essentially ride on the water rather than making direct contact with the road surface.

The factors that contribute to hydroplaning include speed, tire tread depth and road conditions. All of these factors are within the driver's control:

• Speed: If you can't avoid driving in the rain, slow down. Allow for longer following distances, lower speeds and longer braking time when driving in wet or rainy conditions.
• Tread depth: Replace tires when the tread depth is 2/32 of an inch or less.
• Road conditions: When driving on uneven roads where water accumulates, take precaution in wet conditions and if you have lower-tread tires. 

This 4-minute video from Consumer Reports shows you how hydroplaning happens

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At What Speeds Can Hydroplaning Occur?

Hydroplaning is most likely to occur at speeds above 45 miles per hour (72 kilometers per hour) on wet or water-covered roads. At this threshold, the combination of speed and the presence of water makes it more challenging for tires to disperse the water to keep the treads in contact with the road. However, the exact speed at which hydroplaning may occur can vary based on factors such as tire tread depth, tire pressure and the condition of the road.

The Consumer Reports video that we shared earlier in this post shows the difference between hydroplaning at 45 MPH and 60 MPH.

It's important to note that hydroplaning can occur at lower speeds in certain conditions. For instance, if the road has accumulated a significant amount of water or if your tires have worn-out treads, it can happen at speeds below 45 mph. You should exercise caution and adjust your speed based on weather conditions to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Regularly checking tire tread depth and maintaining proper tire pressure are critical steps to reduce the likelihood of hydroplaning incidents.

How to Handle Hydroplaning

Your first experience with hydroplaning might trigger panic and cause your brain to send a message to your feet to brake. Don't slam on the brakes. Try to stay calm and take immediate, controlled actions to regain control. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to do when your vehicle hydroplanes:

• Stay calm: Keep a steady hand on the steering wheel and avoid making sudden movements. Panic can exacerbate the situation.
• Steer straight: Keep the steering wheel straight and avoid making sharp turns. Attempt to regain control by steering in the direction you want to go without overcorrecting.
• Wait for traction: As your tires regain traction, you'll feel more in control. Once you have traction, you can steer the vehicle in the correct direction.
• Drive defensively: After regaining control, reduce your speed and drive defensively. Be cautious of the potential for additional hydroplaning, especially in wet conditions.

Remember, prevention is critical. Maintain your tires properly, drive at safe speeds for the road conditions, and avoid large puddles or standing water. If hydroplaning becomes a frequent issue, it may be advisable to reassess your tire condition and consider replacements.

How NOT to Handle Hydroplaning

When faced with hydroplaning, don't brake, don't overcorrect, and don't do these things:

• Don't brake suddenly: Resist the temptation to slam on the brakes, as it can worsen the situation by causing your tires to lose what little traction they have. Instead, ease off the accelerator pedal.
• Avoid sharp turns: Making abrupt or sharp turns can lead to further loss of control. Keep the steering wheel straight and make gradual, smooth adjustments.
• Don't overcorrect: Overcompensating by turning the steering wheel too much can result in a skid or spin-out. Make controlled and measured movements to regain stability.
• Avoid sudden acceleration: Refrain from rapidly accelerating, as this can exacerbate the hydroplaning effect. Maintain a steady speed or decelerate gently.
• Don't panic: Panic can cloud judgment and hinder your ability to make rational decisions. Stay calm and focused, and follow the recommended steps to regain control.
• Don't drive through deep puddles: Avoid driving through large puddles or areas with standing water, especially if you are unsure of the depth. Deep water increases the risk of hydroplaning.

By steering clear of these actions and adopting a calm and controlled approach, you increase your chances of safely navigating through a hydroplane. Remember that prevention, including proper tire maintenance and adjusting your driving speed to road conditions, minimize the risk of hydroplaning.

How NOT to Hydroplane

Preventing hydroplaning involves good driving habits. Here are tips to help reduce the risk of hydroplaning.

• Maintain proper tire tread: Ensure your tires have adequate tread depth. Worn-out tires with shallow treads are more prone to hydroplaning. Regularly check and replace tires when tread depth is 2/32" or less.
• Check tire pressure: Maintaining proper pressure ensures optimal contact between the tires and the road surface. Under-inflated or over-inflated tires can affect traction.
• Rotate and balance tires: Regularly rotate and balance your tires to promote even wear. This helps maintain consistent traction across all tires.
• Drive at a safe speed: Reduce speed in wet or rainy conditions. Slower speeds allow your tires to displace water more effectively, reducing the risk of hydroplaning.
• Avoid driving through standing water: Steer clear of large puddles and areas with standing water. If possible, drive around such obstacles to minimize the chance of hydroplaning.
• Use quality tires: Invest in high-quality tires designed for wet conditions. All-season or all-weather tires with specialized tread patterns for water dispersion can enhance traction on wet roads.
• Drive defensively: Be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards on the road. Maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles and be prepared to react to changing road conditions.
• Avoid cruise control: In wet conditions, refrain from using cruise control. Maintaining manual control over your speed allows you to respond quickly to changes in road conditions.
• Stay informed: Check weather forecasts before embarking on a journey. If heavy rain is expected, consider postponing your trip or adjusting your route to avoid areas prone to flooding.
• Keep your vehicle well-maintained: Ensure that your vehicle's brakes, suspension and steering systems are in good condition. Regular maintenance contributes to overall road safety.

By adopting these preventive measures and practicing safe driving habits, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of hydroplaning and improve your safety on wet roads.

Are There Tires That Can Help Avoid Hydroplaning?

Yes, some tires specifically help reduce the risk of hydroplaning and enhance wet weather performance. These tires fall under "all-season," "all weather" or "performance" tires. Here are some features commonly found in tires that can help mitigate hydroplaning.

• Tread design: Tires with an advanced tread design featuring grooves, sipes and channels effectively disperse water from the tire's contact patch. This helps maintain better traction on wet roads and reduces the risk of hydroplaning.
• Wide circumferential grooves: Tires with wide grooves running around the tire's circumference are designed to channel water away from the center, preventing water buildup and improving overall wet traction.
• High-silica rubber compound: Tires with a high-silica rubber compound maintain flexibility in colder temperatures and provide improved wet traction. This is particularly beneficial for driving in rainy or wet conditions.
• Siping: Sipes are small, narrow channels or slots in the tire tread that aid in water dispersion. Tires with well-engineered siping patterns can enhance grip on wet surfaces.
• Tire size and width: Wider tires may have a larger contact patch, which can help disperse water more effectively. However, it's important to make sure the tire size is suitable for your vehicle and adheres to manufacturer recommendations.
• Performance tires: Tires labeled "performance" or "high-performance" often incorporate features to improve handling and traction, making them a good choice for wet conditions. These tires are commonly found on sports cars and some sedans.

When selecting tires to help avoid hydroplaning, it's critical to consider your driving needs, the climate in your region and the type of vehicle you own. Consulting with a tire professional or referring to tire reviews can provide insights into the wet weather capabilities of specific tire models.

Photo 39469298 | Hydroplaning | doveloupo | Dreamstime.com