Snowmelt on roads, heavy rain, slush … when there is water accumulation on the roadway, there is a real risk of losing traction. Here’s how to recognize the signs of hydroplaning and how to react if your vehicle starts to skid.
Where is hydroplaning most likely to occur?
Hydroplaning can happen anywhere water accumulates on the road surface. Be especially vigilant in the following situations:
Heavily travelled roads with ruts (wheel tracks) that trap water
Tight curves, where the lack of lateral slope makes it harder for water on the road to drain
During heavy downpours
Where meltwater or rainwater flows from an embankment onto the roadway
When water and slush build up on the road
What are the warning signs of a loss of traction?
Certain clues can help you detect an imminent risk of hydroplaning. Pay close attention—you may be able to anticipate it:
The water tracks left by the vehicle ahead suddenly disappear.
That same vehicle throws up large sprays of water to the sides.
You feel like your front wheels are no longer gripping the wet road while driving or braking.
The engine speed increases without you accelerating (especially in front-wheel-drive vehicles).
You hear a loud rush of water in the wheel wells.
6 tips to avoid hydroplaning
1. Adjust your speed
The risk of hydroplaning increases with speed. Reduce your speed as soon as wet road conditions are present or when you suspect standing water on the road. At higher speeds, tires have a harder time evacuating water, which increases the risk of floating.
Increase your stopping distances—you may even need to double the following distance behind the vehicle ahead. In short, adapt your driving in winter as well as in summer. This is part of good road safety habits.
2. Disable cruise control
Avoid driving with cruise control when the road surface is slippery or wet. Why? In the event of hydroplaning, cruise control may cause the wheels to accelerate instead of slowing down, making it harder to regain control.
Tip: Keep your foot close to the brake pedal so you can react quickly. Check your owner’s manual to learn how to turn off the ON/OFF or RESUME button.
3. Monitor tire condition and pressure
Winter or summer tires with worn tread depth or patterns do not evacuate water effectively.
Expert’s insight
“To grip the road properly, your tires must be able to channel water away, especially to the sides. If they can’t, a thin wave of water forms in front of the tire and can cause you to slide, much like on black ice.”
Also check your tire pressure according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Properly inflated tires significantly improve water drainage. Note that wide tires tend to hydroplane more easily than narrower ones.
4. Avoid ruts
Drive slightly to the side of wheel tracks or areas where water accumulates, which are more common near the edges of the roadway. These zones greatly increase the risk of skidding.
5. Avoid puddles
If you cannot avoid a puddle, brake before entering it—not while driving through it. Some puddles hide potholes that can damage your wheels or cause your vehicle to veer off course.
6. Slow down in urban areas to avoid splashing pedestrians
Ease off the accelerator and slow down when approaching puddles in the city. You’ll avoid splashing pedestrians and reduce the risk of losing control.
How to stay on course during a skid
If your vehicle begins to skid despite your precautions:
Keep both hands firmly on the steering wheel;
Steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go;
Release the accelerator to shift weight back onto the front wheels;
If possible, shift into neutral and brake very gently, without locking the wheels;
Once traction is regained, shift into a higher gear and gradually resume control.
Tip: In the event of a total loss of control, straighten the wheels and brake firmly until the vehicle comes to a complete stop.
In closing, remember that hydroplaning is a preventable hazard. Maintain proper tire pressure at all times. When faced with standing water, adjust your speed—even below posted speed limits. This will help you stay in control of your vehicle, regardless of weather conditions.
