Have you ever experienced that terrifying moment when your car seems to float on water while moving in the rain? That's hydroplaning, and it's more common than you might think. Read on to discover the causes of this phenomenon and learn what you can do to stay safe on wet roads.
Tips & tricks to prevent hydroplaning
Hydroplaning, or aquaplaning, happens when your vehicle's tyres lose touch with the road surface due to water buildup. Subsequently, your tyres move on a thin film of water, making it nearly impossible to control your car. When your car hydroplanes, several dangerous things happen simultaneously:
- You lose the ability to steer successfully.
- Your stopping distance rises significantly.
- The risk of spinning out or striking other cars increases dramatically.
Essential prevention tips
Here are some essential prevention tips to help you stay safe on the road.
- Watch your speed: Maintaining an appropriate speed is the most important factor in avoiding hydroplaning. Even at speeds as low as 35 mph, your car can start hydroplaning in wet circumstances. Always adjust your speed to match road and weather conditions.
- Maintain your tyres: Your tyres are your first defence against hydroplaning. Proper tyre maintenance includes :
- Keeping appropriate tyre pressure.
- Ensuring proper tread depth.
- Replacing old tyres quickly.
- Rotating tyres regularly.
- Smart driving techniques: Adopt these driving habits during bad weather:
- Keep a safe space from cars ahead.
- Avoid sudden movements.
- Stay in the lines of the vehicle ahead when possible.
- Avoid standing water and puddles.
What to do if your vehicle starts hydroplaning
If you find your vehicle hydroplaning, remember these key steps:
- Stay calm, as fear only makes the problem worse.
- Ease off the accelerator gradually.
- Keep the driving wheel straight.
- Avoid sudden braking.
- Wait for the car to slow down naturally.
Conclusion
Hydroplaning can be scary, but it's largely avoidable with proper planning and awareness. You can greatly reduce your risk of weather-related crashes by maintaining and changing your driving habits during wet weather and learning how to respond if hydroplaning occurs.
While protection is key, it's equally important to be financially covered in crashes caused by hydroplaning or other weather-related events. A comprehensive car insurance policy can cover fixes, losses, and hospital costs from such scenarios. This added layer of protection can give you peace of mind when facing difficult weather conditions on the road. Additionally, it offers financial coverage during accidents, theft, and damage.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.