United Tire and Service News

Hydroplaning is always a potential issue when you are driving on wet roads. Many drivers are aware of this danger, but few know exactly what hydroplaning is and even fewer know how to avoid hydroplaning. You can avoid hydroplaning by adjusting your driving style and having the right tires for your vehicle. Read on to learn more about hydroplaning and how to avoid it.   

 

Hydroplaning, also known as aquaplaning, happens when a layer of water gets between your vehicle's tires and the road. It can happen to one tire at a time or to multiple tires simultaneously. Hydroplaning prevents the affected tire or tires from gaining any traction on the road. The end result is a total or partial loss of control. It is important to keep in mind that skidding on a slippery road is not hydroplaning. A slippery road will prevent your vehicle's tires from getting as much traction as they could on a dry road, but a vehicle is only hydroplaning when one or more tires are not in contact with the road at all. 

 

It can be difficult to tell if your vehicle is hydroplaning or merely skidding, though drivers in this situation may not be too concerned with the difference in the moment. If your vehicle is skidding, you should still be able to control the car to an extent with the steering wheel. You know that your vehicle is hydroplaning when you are driving on a wet road and you completely lose control of one or more wheels. If your vehicle is hydroplaning, turning the steering wheel won't do anything.

 

It is best to try and avoid aquaplaning, as it can be difficult for a driver to react properly if their car is hydroplaning. If your vehicle is hydroplaning, you should ease off the gas. You should not try turning the steering wheel, as this may send your vehicle skidding out of control. Usually, slowing down will be enough to end the hydroplaning. It is best to slow down by easing off the accelerator, as hitting the brakes while hydroplaning can cause you to lose control of the vehicle. If you have to brake, do so gradually and be prepared for the car to get twitchy.

 

It is best to avoid hydroplaning in the first place, as it can be difficult to deal with when it happens. The first and most important thing that you can do to avoid hydroplaning is to drive more slowly in wet conditions. If the road is very wet and standing water is present, drive extremely cautiously. You can also avoid hydroplaning by maintaining your car properly. Under-inflated tires greatly increase the risk of hydroplaning. You should check your tires' air pressure regularly to ensure they are properly inflated. It is also important to get tire services from a reputable mechanic.   

 

A reputable automotive service business like United Tire can help you avoid hydroplaning by offering several important tire services. They can rotate tires, which helps ensure that your tires' tread does not wear unevenly (which would cause decreased traction). They can also perform tire repair on damaged tires. Tire replacement may be a better option than tire repair if your tires are worn or badly damaged. 

 

Of course, excessive tire wear and damage can cause a number of problems besides making hydroplaning more likely. It is important to ensure that your tires are in good shape to prevent hydroplaning. You can schedule your next appointment by calling your local United Tire location or scheduling online.