During the wet months of winter, or any time of year for that matter, aquaplaning is a phenomenon of physics associated with wet and slippery roads that can severely impact the way vehicles drive. As the roads continue to get wet, driving can become dangerous, and understanding how aquaplaning impacts the driving is essential. Bearing this in mind, we at Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance would like to elaborate on how aquaplaning impacts the driving on wet roads in an effort to help commuters in Irving, Texas and surrounding areas drive safer.
Definition of Aquaplaning
Aquaplaning, also known as hydroplaning is when a delay or inability for your vehicle to successfully respond to your control, when a layer of water limits the traction between your vehicle’s tires and the surface of the road. The effect is similar to driving too fast or with worn out tires. Despite the vehicle being able to push a lot of water out of the way, the sheer weight involvement of aquaplaning, indicates the volume of water could not be pushed aside by your vehicle’s tires, which limits the traction and makes driving very dangerous.
What to Do when Aquaplaning
1) Stay Calm when Aquaplaning: Aquaplaning usually only happens in intervals that last a few seconds, and the most important thing to do is remain calm when it does. Being calm will help you better react, which is vital. Do not suddenly brake or turn, it can cause you to spin out are not a proper response. Stay calm and calculated can prevent accidents.
2) Never Speed Up or Brake when Aquaplaning: Accelerating or braking will only cause you to further lose control of your vehicle and increase the effect of the aquaplaning, being that aquaplaning is limiting the traction of your vehicle.
3) Back off the Accelerator if Vehicle Begins to Hydroplane: Without hitting the brakes or accelerator, let your vehicle naturally slow down. So that you can get better control of your car, this will allow the tires to restore contact and friction with the road’s surface and push the water away.
Best Rain Tires for Driving
Make sure that you use tires that have the proper tread pattern and depth level can be ideal, especially if your suspect lots of hydroplaning during an important drive that you can’t set out on another time. If you want your tires to properly push water aside, experts recommend a tire tread depth of at least 3-4mm. Additionally, a directional or asymmetric tire pattern for aquaplaning environments is also recommended. A great option for vehicles with very powerful engines is directional designed tires provide the best resistance against aquaplaning, and asymmetric patterned tires utilize small blocks.
Towing & Roadside Assistance & More in Irving, Fort Worth, Arlington, Carrollton & Plano Texas
Should you find yourself at the poor end of aquaplaning and have a down vehicle, call in the experts of Speedway Towing & Roadside Assistance and we will get to your location as quickly as possible and provide you a tow. Our experts are well-trained and use top-of-the-line equipment to ensure maximum results. Contact us for all your towing and roadside assistance needs.
