Feb 01, 2024
Hydroplaning could be scary, especially when it takes longer to regain control of your vehicle....
District Design Finesser
There is time for everything and a season for dedicated activities. Activities differ between the rainy and dry seasons. Like you feel the rain in one of these seasons, your vehicle does too. For this season, one other feeling your vehicle will most likely experience is 'Hydroplaning'.
Hydroplaning occurs when water gets between your vehicle tyres and the road that it loses contact with the road. Hydroplaning raises your vehicle to ride on a thin layer of water rather than the road. At this point, your vehicle's inability to displace the water it encountered causes a loss of control. This could reduce your ability to steer and apply your vehicle's brake within a few seconds or minutes.
Hydroplaning could be scary, especially when it takes longer to regain control of your vehicle. Now here are a few tricks to avoid it. Know these at your fingertips, especially if you stay in areas with frequent rainfalls.
1. High Speed of Vehicle
Among other factors that cause Hydroplaning, overspeeding on wet roads is the most common. The faster you move on a wet road, the lower your vehicle remains in contact with the road. The faster speed increases the water build-up beneath your vehicle tyres. Drive five to ten miles slower than the speed limit, avoid the Fast and Furious fantasy and sudden increase in your vehicle speed.
2. Quality Tyres
Choose high-quality tyres designed to resist hydroplaning. Tyres with quality tread patterns tend to remain in grip with the road. Avoid worn-out tyres and change regularly, as bald tyres remain firm on wet roads. For optimal tyre grip on your vehicle, perform tyre services regularly, especially wheel balancing and rotation. Your tyre remains well tuned to resist Hydroplaning.
3. Driving Path
Driving on a damaged road requires more effort and alertness, especially in rainy seasons. Water puddles, potholes, and less vision of the road are some of the obstructions you encounter while driving in the rainy season. However, avoid any path with collected water because it increases the tendency of your vehicle's tyre to lose contact with the road, thereby leading to Hydroplaning.
Well, sometimes hydroplaning occurs no matter how careful you are during the rainy season. If your vehicle begins hydroplaning on a wet road surface, there are several steps to take to regain control:
1. Firstly, remove your foot from the accelerator. Never use a brake as a safety mechanism to respond to Hydroplaning, as it will only lead to the total loss of your vehicle control.
2. Next, gently turn your steering wheel to the direction your vehicle is hydroplaning to help realign your vehicle wheels. Thou it's confusing, this method will help you recover your vehicle's control.
3. Continue until you can feel the wheel of your vehicle has reconnected with the road.
4. Well, at this point, you can path yourself at the back for a safe recovery. You could pull over your vehicle for a moment or keep riding at a moderate speed.
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