What is Hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning or aquaplaning meaning is a driving condition in which the vehicle loses its traction because of the water encountered by the vehicle tyre.

Due to the water, vehicle tyres lose contact with the road surface and ride on a thin layer of water, which further results in loss of control, making it difficult for the driver to accelerate, steer or brake effectively.

It is crucial to know the underlying science to better understand hydroplaning. When we drive a vehicle on wet roads, the water that accumulates on a road surface creates a thin water film that prevents the tyres from effectively gripping the road surface.

However, the tyre treads try to direct the water away through their grooves. But when the volume of water exceeds the tyre's capacity to disperse it, hydroplaning occurs, which causes the vehicle to lose its balance.

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Various factors are attributed to vehicle hydroplane speed, such as road condition, vehicle weight, tread depth and vehicle speed. Let us understand all these factors in detail.

Road Conditions

The condition of the road directly affects the chance of hydroplaning. As the water level on the road surface increases to 1/10th of an inch, the chances of hydroplaning increase.

This simply means that the deeper the standing water on the road surface, the greater the chances of cars hydroplaning. To avoid this, the drainage system on the road plays an important role.

Vehicle Weight

Vehicle weight also plays an important role in hydroplaning. A vehicle with more weight has a significantly better chance of preventing hydroplaning than a vehicle that is lighter.

Heavier vehicles have greater momentum and better tyre loads, so they can prevent hydroplaning.

Tread Depth

Tire tread depth is one of the critical factors contributing to hydroplaning. When the tread of the tyre is worn down, it offers little to zero resistance to the vehicle's hydroplaning.

Hence, it is crucial to inspect the vehicle tyre regularly to ensure that it meets sufficient tyre tread depth.

Vehicle Speed

Another essential factor in hydroplaning cars is speed. If the vehicle's speed is higher on the wet road, then the chance of hydroplaning is also higher.

Vehicles need time to disperse or evacuate the water between treads and the road surface, and if the vehicle's speed is higher, there will be less time for that to happen.

There are significant risks or dangers hydroplane cars can impose on vehicle owners, such as:

Loss of Control

One of the main damages hydroplaning imposes is loss of control of the vehicle. If hydroplaning occurs, it compromises the driver's ability to accelerate, steer or brake effectively, causing the vehicle to lose its control.

Reduced Visibility

Another danger hydroplaning imposes is reduced visibility to riders. When the driver rides a vehicle on wet roads, hydroplaning occurs, often causing water spray that obscures the driver's vision. Due to reduced visibility, it is difficult for riders to navigate safely.

Increased Stopping Distance

Another risk hydroplaning cars impose is an increased stopping distance. When the vehicle hydroplanes, it loses its traction, which significantly increases the stopping distance, further enhancing the chances of collision.

Accidents and Injuries

When the vehicle loses its control due to hydroplaning, it significantly increases the chance of the vehicle being in an accident, which leads to injuries. In some cases, these accidents and injuries can be fatal.

Vehicle Damage

Due to hydroplaning, vehicles experience sudden jolts, which damage tyres, treads and other vehicle components. Further, when a vehicle loses its control due to hydroplaning, it leads to collisions, which can damage vehicle components badly.

When the hydroplane speed occurs, instead of panicking, drivers need to remain calm and take immediate action to gain control of their vehicle. Some of the tips drivers can follow in case of hydroplaning are:

Avoid Abrupt Movements

When the vehicle is hydroplaning, the first step is to avoid making abrupt movements with the accelerator, steering wheel and brakes. Sudden abrupt movements can cause a loss of control, leading to a collision.

Keep a Steady Grip

It is best to keep a steady grip on the steering wheel with both hands to maintain control of the vehicle and avoid any sudden, abrupt movements.

Avoid Slamming Brakes

Another thing drivers need to be careful of in case of hydroplaning is avoiding slamming brakes.

Sudden slamming of brakes can lock the vehicle tyres, making it challenging to regain traction. It is best to apply gentle pressure on the brakes to slow down the vehicle's speed.

Steer Straight

Another tip is to keep the steering wheel straight and avoid taking sharp turns. Taking sharp turns during aquaplaning can cause vehicles to lose traction. It is suitable to keep the steering wheel straight until the vehicle regains control.

Regain Traction

In addition to this, keep the vehicle on a safe path and try to regain traction. As the vehicle slows down, the wheels may come in contact with the road surface, which will help regain the vehicle's control. Once the vehicle's traction is regained, start driving normally.

Hydroplaning can cause significant damage to a vehicle and its driver; hence, it is important to prevent it from happening. Some of the tips that help prevent hydroplaning are:

Ensure Proper Tyre Maintenance

One way to prevent vehicle hydroplaning is to perform proper tyre maintenance. Tire maintenance is crucial for optimal safety and traction.

During tyre maintenance, vehicle owners need to monitor the tyre tread, inflation and rotation. Furthermore, by checking the tyre pressure, vehicle owners can ensure the proper contact of tyres with the road.

Invest in Quality Tyres

Most hydroplaning incidents occur due to poor tyres whose tread is worn out. It is best to invest in top-notch quality tyres with enhanced traction performance on wet surfaces.

Nowadays, advanced tyres are available in the market made with special compounds and have reliable tread patterns, which improve the grip of the tyre and reduce hydroplaning.

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Avoid Standing Water

Another crucial step to prevent hydroplaning is to avoid driving into standing water, especially if it is a large puddle.

However, if it is impossible to avoid large puddles, then it is best to reduce the vehicle's speed so that the vehicle does not lose traction.

Keep Safe Distance

Another tip is to keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead to minimise the risk of hydroplaning.

By keeping an appropriate distance from the automobile ahead of you, you can give yourself sufficient time to manoeuvre securely, even in unforeseen circumstances.

Drive Defensively

Another crucial tip to prevent hydroplaning is to drive defensively on the road, especially when the roads are wet.

It is best to keep the vehicle speed slow and maintain a steady grip on the steering wheel to avoid any sudden movements.

Hydroplaning can be dangerous and can damage vehicles. Unanticipated damage can add additional financial burden on the vehicle owner. For this reason, many vehicle owners prefer to invest in 4-wheeler insurance.

A car insurance policy is a shield that offers financial protection to vehicle owners against various natural and man-made damages to vehicles.

Tata AIG offers various four-wheeler insurance plans catered to individual specific needs. From third-party car insurance to own-damage cover to comprehensive car insurance policies, we offer different plans.

Further, with our unique list of add-ons, such as engine secure, tyre secure, roadside assistance or RSA in car insurance, we offer enhanced protection to vehicle owners.

Additionally, we have a wide network of garages all across the country to offer cashless repair services to policyholders.

Hydroplaning is common during the rainy season. Due to poor road conditions and drainage systems, water collects on the road.

However, whenever there is a wet road or stagnant water, keep your vehicle speed slow to avoid hydroplaning.

If somehow the vehicle starts to hydroplane, do not lose a grip on the steering wheel and try to regain control.

How do you know if your car is hydroplaning?

There are certain signs to identify hydroplaning, such as if you experience a sudden loss of steering control, the vehicle feels like it is sliding or floating, and the tyres make a noticeable sloshing sound.

What is the usual Hydroplaning speed?

Hydroplaning can occur at speeds as low as 35 mph (55 km/h) on wet roads. The risk increases significantly at higher speeds, especially when the tyre tread is worn and road conditions are poor.

Can tyres prevent hydroplaning?

Yes, tyres can help prevent hydroplaning. Properly maintained tyres with adequate tread depth and the correct inflation pressure can improve traction and reduce the risk of hydroplaning on wet surfaces.