Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous.
So
much water can build up
under your tires that they can actually ride on the water.
This can happen if the road is wet enough and you’re
going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning,
it has little or no contact with the road.
Hydroplaning doesn’t happen often. But
it
can if your
tires do not have much tread or if the pressure in one or
more
is
low. It can happen if a lot of water is standing on
the road.
If
you can see reflections from trees, telephone
poles
or
other vehicles, and raindrops “dimple” the
water’s surface, there could be hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There
just isn’t a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The
best advice is to slow down when it
is
raining.
Driving Through Deep Standing Water
I
NOTICE:
If you drive too quickly through deep puddles or
standing water, water can come in through your
engine’s air intake and badly damage your
engine. Never drive through water that is slightly
lower than the underbody of your vehicle. If you
can’t avoid deep puddles or standing water, drive
through them very slowly.
Some Other Rainy Weather
Tips
Besides slowing down, allow some extra following
distance. And be especially careful when you pass
another vehicle. Allow yourself more clear room
ahead, and be prepared
to
have your view restricted
by road spray.
Have good tires with proper tread depth. (See
“Tires” in the Index.)
4-20
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