Water, Water Everywhere – Hydroplaning Risks and Learning to Avoid Them

The term ‘hydroplaning’ (also known as ‘aquaplaning’) refers to the phenomenon where your car tyres lose contact with the road surface, even if momentarily, due to water accumulation. It happens when the tyres cannot disperse the water under it adequately. Have you ever felt a loss of control of your vehicle while driving in the rain? Hydroplaning is the most probable culprit.

Tyres and Water

It sounds harmless enough, but hydroplaning is a far more severe issue than most drivers comprehend. When you are robbed of your ability to steer the car even for a second, the consequences can be catastrophic. Notably, at speeds higher than 50 mph, that crucial one second can prove to be the difference between a safe and a disastrous journey.

Tyre companies have been investing millions upon millions in developing tyres that are resistant to hydroplaning. Although they have made tremendous strides over the years, a lot still remains to be desired. Until such a time when tyres are completely immune to hydroplaning, it is judicious to understand the process and what you can do to avoid it.

What Causes Aquaplaning?

To answer this question, you must first look at how tyres go about their task of dispersing water. There are grooves all over a tyre’s body which are designed to channel out the water that comes under the tyre. You might have noticed that grooves on 4x4 Tyres in Harrogate are markedly more pronounced than standard tyres. That’s because they are expected to run on conditions where the risks of aquaplaning are higher (mud tracks in the countryside, for example).

Now, when tyres have adequate tread depth, they perform this task rather well. When the tread depth is compromised, their ability to disperse water reduces, resulting in hydro or aquaplaning.

There are other factors at play as well. Did you know that the highest risk of aquaplaning is not when it’s pouring cats and dogs, but at the beginning of a shower? Oil and grease are common on the tarmac. During the first few minutes of a shower, these mix with the water and create the ultimate slippery tarmac. Until they are thoroughly washed away, the risk of aquaplaning is considerably higher.

Another factor that aggravates the risks of aquaplaning is unbalanced tyres. When there are irregular spots on the tyre body and uneven tread wear patterns, the chances of aquaplaning are considerably higher.

How To Avoid Hydroplaning?

You may follow these practices to reduce the risk of hydroplaning-

• Always maintain a tread depth of over 3 mm, especially during the rainy season.

• Drive slower, so that even in the instance of hydroplaning, you do not lose control of your car entirely.

• Maintain proper wheel alignment and balance. Avail Wheel Balancing Harrogate at least twice a year.

• Do not use cruise control when it’s raining.

• Brake steadily. Abrupt braking increases the risk of hydroplaning.

• Purchase tyres that have an above-average wet-grip rating. You may find excellent EU wet-grip rated tyres at the facility of independent retailers like HG Motors. They have in-house experts who will assist you in choosing the best hydroplaning resistant tyres.

Be aware of your surroundings and the condition of your car to reduce aquaplaning risks. Drive safe!

Sponsor Ads

• Ad Space Available - Rent it Now!

Report this Page

Created on Nov 2nd 2018 06:15. Viewed 564 times.

Share on APSense

Comments