Have you ever lost control of your vehicle on a snowy, icy, or wet road? Speeding through light rain, snow, or ice can easily cause your vehicle tires to lose traction with the road. That is called hydroplaning. Hydroplaning happens when your vehicle's tires lose contact with the road and skim or glide across a wet surface instead.
Loss of tire traction can result in unexpected accidents if your vehicle has an issue with steering, braking, or loss of vehicle control. According to specialists, the first several minutes of wet or rainy conditions are the most critical times to be careful. These conditions are more likely to cause hydroplaning than others, such as water, road debris, lubricants, and oils combined. If you are traveling at a speed of 35 miles per hour or more in wet road conditions, then you are more likely to hydroplane than others moving at a slower rate of speed.
How to Prevent Your Car From Hydroplaning
While we can't account for all driving conditions and unexpected downpours or snowstorms, there are critical steps motorists can take to reduce the possibility of hydroplaning on slippery roads.
Tip #1: Slow Down
Remember that hydroplaning often occurs at speeds of 35 mph or more. You should adjust your speed accordingly when driving in these conditions. If you feel unsafe for you to go on in such situations, feel free to pull over to compose yourself. Resume driving only when you are comfortable doing so.
Tip #2: Maintain Your Tires
Keeping the right amount of tread and the recommended air pressure in your tires can help limit hydroplaning. When your tires are correctly inflated and have enough tread, the likelihood of your tires losing traction or hydroplaning is significantly reduced.
Tip #3: Maintain Your Vehicle
Getting the recommended service and repair for your vehicle helps extend your car's overall life and avoid unnecessary disastrous accidents.
We highly advise that you check your owner's manual to learn to note the service time frames for your vehicle's tires, brakes, exhaust systems, automatic transmission services, and oil changes. If your car requires maintenance or repair, we invite you to bring your car to Cottman of Waldorf today!