Have you ever driven through heavy rain and felt the steering suddenly become lighter than usual? That moment of reduced control of your tyres is called aquaplaning. Even if it only lasts for a second or two, it can be enough to catch any driver off guard. Wet weather is a part of driving in many parts of Australia, like Tasmania, especially during sudden downpours plus summer storms. Because of that, many drivers will experience aquaplaning at some point.
As such, understanding what causes it and how to prevent it can help you stay safer on the roads. The good news is that aquaplaning can often be avoided. Our guide below covers everything you need to know about it.
What Does Aquaplaning Mean?
Aquaplaning (also called hydroplaning) occurs when your tyres can no longer clear water away fast enough. Instead of gripping the bitumen, your tyres begin to ride on top of the water. As such, your vehicle can lose traction, so it becomes harder to control. Braking may feel less responsive as your tyres lose their grip on the road.
Aside from that, acceleration may feel delayed. Rather than gripping the road, your tyres can feel like they're floating over it. In more serious cases, all four can be affected at once.
In many cases, aquaplaning does not always mean your car will spin out of control. Even if it only lasts a second, it can feel like your car is floating instead of staying firmly planted on the road.
What Causes Aquaplaning on Wet Roads?
For aquaplaning to occur, there first needs to be enough water sitting on the road surface. During heavy rain or after storms, water can build up quickly on the road surface. In addition, if the road does not drain well, puddles can form quickly and increase the risk of aquaplaning.
Once standing water is present, the speed of your vehicle becomes super important. At higher speeds, water can build up under your tyres more quickly than they can move it away. If too much water collects underneath, the tyres can start to ride on top of it.
Tyre condition plays a major role in how to prevent aquaplaning. For instance, worn tread and incorrect tyre pressure can make it harder for your tyres to clear water. Poor wheel alignment can also reduce grip on wet roads.
How Can You Prevent Aquaplaning While Driving?
- One of the most effective ways to prevent aquaplaning is to reduce your speed when the roads are wet. By reducing your speed, you give your tyres more time to clear water. Also, always remember to leave extra space between your vehicle and the car ahead. This is because braking distances are usually longer in the rain.
- Stay clear of deep puddles and areas with standing water where possible.
- In heavy rain, it is better to control your speed manually so you can react more naturally if your tyres begin to lose grip.
- Check your tyre pressure regularly. They help ensure your tyres are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended levels.
- Keep an eye on your tread depth. Always replace worn tyres before wet-weather grip becomes affected.
What to Do If Aquaplaning Happens?
If your vehicle starts to skid, stay calm. Your first reaction may be to brake hard or turn suddenly. However, the safest approach is to let the vehicle settle. One of the most effective ways to deal with aquaplaning is to reduce your speed gradually. As such, it allows your tyres to clear the water to restore contact with the road surface.
Gently easing off the accelerator allows the vehicle to lose speed naturally. This gives the tyres a chance to reconnect with the road surface. Once traction returns, the steering will begin to feel normal again.
Stay Safer in Wet Weather with Tyrepower Tyres and Services
Your tyres are the only part of your car that touches the road, so their condition matters every time you drive in the rain.
Search for tyres easily using Tyrepower's online tyre search tool. You can compare tyres by brand and search for tyres by size. If you prefer a more tailored approach, tyres by vehicle can help you narrow down the best options for your car.
Also, at Tyrepower, we can inspect the condition of your tyres to let you know how they are performing. And if it is time for a replacement, the team can help you choose tyres that suit your vehicle, driving style, and budget. If you are not sure which tyres are best for wet-weather driving, the Tyrepower team can point you in the right direction.
Visit your local Tyrepower and make sure your tyres are ready for whatever the road has in store.
