Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous.
So
much water can build up
under your tires that they can actually ride on the water.
This
can happen
if
the road is wet enough and you’re
going fast enough. When your vehicle
is
hydroplaning,
it has little or
no
contact with the road.
Hydroplaning doesn’t happen often. But it can if your
tires
do
not have much tread or
if
the pressure in one or
more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is standing on
the road.
If
you can see reflections from trees, telephone
poles or other vehicles, and raindrops “dimple” the
water’s surface, there could be hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There
just isn’t a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The
best advice is to slow down when it is raining.
Driving Through Deep Standing Water
NOTICE:
If
you drive too quickly through deep puddles or
standing water, water can come
in
through your
engine’s air intake and badly damage your
engine. Never drive through water that is slightly
lower than the underbody
of
your vehicle.
If
you
can’t avoid deep puddles or standing water, drive
through them very slowly.
Some Other Rainy Weather
Tips
Besides slowing down, allow some extra following
distance. And be especially careful when you pass
another vehicle. Allow yourself more clear room
ahead, and be prepared to have your view restricted
by road spray.
Have good tires with proper tread depth. (See
“Tires” in
the
Index.)
4-19
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