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Hydroplaning and the role your tires play

Silver crossover hydroplaning through water

First off, what exactly is hydroplaning? One of the more dangerous driving situations we might face, hydroplaning (sometimes referred to as aquaplaning) is a temporary loss of vehicle control, most commonly experienced while driving in wet weather. Having the right tires, and making sure they're in good condition, can minimize your chances of hydroplaning.

Worried your tires are low enough on tread that hydroplaning is a risk? We got you! We have a huge range of tires that are ready and able to take on wet roads. Start with our Treadwell tire guide for recommendations of the best tires for where and how you drive.

Wondering what causes hydroplaning? You're not alone. Simply put, hydroplaning occurs when your tires encounter more water than they can physically displace. This causes your tires to lose contact with the road, often resulting in a total loss of control, including your ability to steer, brake or accelerate. It's most common during and after heavy rain when water pools in the road.

As your tires wear out, not only do they require more distance to come to a safe stop, they lose their ability to evacuate water from the contact patch. That means tires with low to worn-out tread are more likely to lose traction and hydroplane than tires with more tread.

The main factors that can affect tire hydroplaning include:

  • water depth
  • vehicle speed
  • vehicle weight
  • tire width
  • tread depth
  • tread design

A lighter vehicle with tires that have low tread depth will hydroplane at a much slower speed than a heavier vehicle with wide tires and deep tread. However, care is always needed because hydroplaning can happen to any vehicle, especially when driving faster than 50mph.

If wet weather grip is a big concern for you, you're in luck. Manufacturers make tires that are specifically designed for wet-weather conditions and increased hydroplaning resistance. Directional, asymmetric and tread patterns featuring deep circumferential grooves typically handle water and resist hydroplaning better.

TIPS TO HELP PREVENT HYDROPLANING

When driving in wet conditions, be sure to follow these suggestions to avoid hydroplaning.

  • Ensure that your tires are properly inflated.
  • Follow a routine maintenance schedule, regularly checking the tread depth.
  • When it's raining, drive slower than you do in dry weather.
  • Try to avoid puddles and areas that tend to collect and retain water.
  • Avoid hard braking or sudden stopping.
  • Approach curves and turns with extreme caution.
  • Refrain from using cruise control.

If you do hydroplane, try not to panic. Your instincts may tell you to accelerate or to slam on the brakes; it’s best not to do either. Sudden actions can make the situation more dangerous. Instead, gradually decelerate and continue to drive with caution on wet roadways.

If you do need new tires, be sure to buy and book online to get a shorter wait time in-store! It’s easy to do. Just use Treadwell, our tire buying guide, to get the same tire recommendations our employees would make in-store. Then book your appointment at the same time. We’ll take care of the rest!

If you have any questions or require any assistance, stop by any of our America's Tire locations and we'll get you taken care of! Customers who buy and book online save time in-store!

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