Aquaplaning

Aquaplaning, also known as hydroplaning, is a truly perilous and highly dangerous situation for drivers. It occurs when a layer of water builds up between the cars tyres and the road surface, leading to a loss of traction and where technically, the vehicle is out of the driver’s control.

This daunting situation often triggers the infamous ‘Panic Freeze Syndrome’ for any driver when meeting such a scary situation, as they have no idea what to do and panic sets in.

In effect, vehicles can only be driven safely and at reasonable speeds in seriously wet conditions because of the tread pattern on their tyres. The tread has the effect of a ‘squeegee’ which removes the water between the tyre and the road surface, allowing grip to be maintained. If the tyre has little or no tread, and the road surface drainage is poor, then it doesn’t take much rain on the surface before the tyres loses traction.

High speed aquaplaning

If the tread pattern can only cope with finite amount of water then the more worn the tyre, the less water it can shift. Consequently, if a car is driven at high speed where the tread pattern become incapable of shifting all the water, the excess will build up in front of, and subsequently, under the tyre. This is where the car ‘floats’ on a cushion of water.

In particularly wet conditions, there will be a critical uppermost speed at which the tyre is unable to remove the amount of water on the surface, which causes a tyre to ‘plane’ across the water – hence the term aquaplaning. Tyre size, tread pattern and depth are all relevant to the speed at which aquaplaning takes place, as is the depth of water and the nature of the road surface. Aquaplaning rarely occurs below 30mph and is more prevalent over 50mph. In extreme circumstances, as with racing cars with slick tyres (no tread), aquaplaning may occur at quite low speeds.

Causes of Aquaplaning

• Driving at higher speeds and especially in excess of 50 mph, can increase the risk of aquaplaning in wet conditions.
• The depth of the water on the surface also plays a crucial role, as even a thin layer of water can lead to aquaplaning. The deeper the water, the higher the risk of aquaplaning.
• Worn-out tyres and those with insufficient tread depth, are less effective at channeling water away.
• Under or over-inflated tyres can affect the tyres ability to maintain contact with the road surface, making aquaplaning more likely.
• Smooth flat surfaces with poor drainage can accumulate water, contributing to aquaplaning.

Recognising aquaplaning symptoms

The symptoms of aquaplaning are that the steering will feel light and where any steering or braking inputs are completely ineffective. In such situations, where the driver tries to steer and by doing so, the wheels may be pointing in the wrong direction once grip has returned, the car may skid or spin, leading to full loss of control and increasing the risk of serious incidents.

Point the wheels in the right direction

It is imperative that the driver points the wheels in the right direction for the road ahead, when full grip is achieved. Look ahead and allow your car to slow down whilst steering straight ahead with both hands firmly on the wheel (9 and 3 position) until the tread pattern is once again able to cope with the amount of water that needs dispersing. Once the tyres start to grip again, the steering become firmer as you regain control and are able to steer where you want to go. Let such things be a warning for the future and respect wet conditions at all times.

Prevention and safety tips

By using your visual scanning abilities and planning processes to look ahead, allows time for you to slow down or brake, if necessary, before you hit any large puddles of standing water on the road surface.

It goes without saying that you should reduce speed in wet conditions as this gives the tyres more time to scatter water and avoid driving through large puddles of standing water whenever possible.

Regularly check tyre tread depth to ensure effective water dispersion and keep tyres properly inflated according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

What to do if you Aquaplane?

Stay calm - do not panic. Keep a tight steady grip on the steering wheel.

Ease off the throttle - gently lift your foot off the accelerator to reduce speed gradually.

Avoid braking – this has no effect on slowing the car down and may cause you to panic even further.

Look ahead – check to see where and when the grip will return to the tyres.

Steer straight - keep the steering wheel straight and avoid making sudden inputs until you regain traction.

Summary

By understanding the causes and knowing how to react, drivers can reduce the risk of aquaplaning and handle it more safely should it occurs. Regular tyre checks and cautious driving in wet conditions are key to preventing this hazardous situation.