Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is when your tires ride on a film of water and lose contact with the road. The faster you go, the deeper the water and the more worn your tires, the more likely it is; it can start around 35 mph.
If it happens, do not brake hard or jerk the wheel: ease off the gas, hold the wheel steady and wait for the tires to grip. In rain, prevent it by slowing early and avoiding puddles and ruts.
Example: on a freeway just after rain starts, the steering suddenly feels light and the car floats. That is hydroplaning; lift off the gas first.
Related questions
- If your vehicle hydroplanes, you should:
- Rain begins on a hot day. When is the road most slippery?
- What is the best way to prevent hydroplaning?
- Why must tires with worn-down tread be replaced?
- In heavy rain on the freeway, the steering suddenly feels light and the car seems to float. This is most likely:
- Your car has no ABS and you start to hydroplane in the rain. Braking hard will?
- Your car hydroplanes and feels like it is floating. What should you do with the steering wheel?