What is Aquaplaning and How to Avoid It

One of the most challenging surfaces to drive on is objectively wet/slippery driving conditions.

A risk and sometimes result of driving on wet surfaces is aquaplaning, that terrifying loss of control on wet roads which can happen to even the most experienced drivers and the most reliable tyres.

This unnerving experience occurs when your tyres lose contact with the road surface, essentially riding on a layer of water.

Understanding what causes aquaplaning and knowing how to prevent it is crucial for staying safe behind the wheel, especially during heavy rain or flooding.

This article will explain aquaplaning, detail the risk factors, and provide practical advice to help you avoid this dangerous situation.

What is aquaplaning?

Aquaplaning, also called hydroplaning, happens when water builds up beneath your tyres, reducing traction and control.

This occurs when the water cannot disperse quickly enough from the tread, leaving the tyres unable to maintain proper contact with the road.

In severe cases, aquaplaning can render a vehicle nearly impossible to steer or brake effectively, creating hazardous driving conditions.

Understanding the mechanics of aquaplaning and knowing how to minimise its risks is essential for any driver, especially during heavy rain or flooding.

How does aquaplaning happen?

While aquaplaning is directly linked to driving on wet roads, several factors can increase the risk:

• Excessive Speed: Driving too fast on wet surfaces reduces the tyres’ ability to channel water away. Experts recommend reducing your speed by at least a third in rainy conditions.
• Tyre Condition: Worn tyres with shallow tread depth lack the surface area to effectively disperse water. Regularly check that your tyre tread meets the legal minimum of 1.6mm, though deeper treads are always safer.
• Tyre Pressure: Incorrect tyre pressure can lead to reduced grip on wet roads. Always ensure your tyres are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended levels.
• Water Depth: Even shallow water – even as low as 2.5mm – can cause aquaplaning. Puddles and standing water on the road significantly amplify the risks.

Factors contributing to aquaplaning can happen to anyone, especially in countries like the UK where it seems to be raining more times than not!

Knowing how these factors contribute to risks of aquaplaning is important so you can be prepared to tackle each factor accordingly.

How do I know if my car is aquaplaning?

If one of the factors mentioned above has affected your driving capabilities, there’s a good chance your car is suffering from aquaplaning.

But what do you need to look out for to know if your car is aquaplaning?

Well, you'll simply know your car is aquaplaning by several distinct occurrences:

• Loss of Steering Control: The vehicle may feel unstable or unresponsive when turning the wheel.
• Difficulty Braking: If the car takes longer to slow down or comes to a stop, this may indicate a loss of traction.
• Unusual Engine Sounds: High-pitched noises from the engine can signal reduced traction between tyres and the road.
• Light Steering Feel: A floating or skating sensation while steering often points to aquaplaning.

With the knowledge of knowing what to expect when your car is potentially aquaplaning, you should know how to avoid these potentially dangerous situations.

How to avoid aquaplaning

Now you know what aquaplaning is and understand what might occur to indicate that you are aquaplaning, taking the right steps in ensuring you avoid it altogether will decrease the risk of it happening.

Please consider the following to avoid aquaplaning:

• Lower Your Speed: Always slow down during heavy rain, especially when encountering puddles or standing water.
• Maintain Your Tyres: Check your tyre pressure regularly and ensure the tread depth is above the legal minimum. Consider replacing tyres that are excessively worn.
• Use Seasonal Tyres: Winter tyres or all-season tyres provide enhanced grip on wet roads. Winter tyres are particularly effective, offering anti-aquaplaning technology designed for rainy and icy conditions.
• Avoid Sudden Movements: If you feel the vehicle losing grip, ease off the accelerator and steer gently. Avoid oversteering or harsh braking to regain control safely.
• Choose the Right Tyres: Investing in high-quality tyres from reputable brands can make a significant difference in your vehicle's performance on wet surfaces.

By thoroughly taking the steps necessary to avoid aquaplaning, the chances of a road accident related to wet conditions will drastically decrease.

Remember and don’t panic if you feel like you’re aquaplaning, take your time in steering, braking, and accelerating to further recue the risk of extreme aquaplaning.

This way you can drive safely, no matter what driving conditions you are facing!