Hydroplaning 101: Why It Happens AND How To Make It Stop

I feel like I am a driving instructor and you are my students. If that were really happening I think I'd have to invoke a little bit of Gunnery Sergeant Hartman from Full Metal Jacket though.

Anyway, if you have ever wondered about why hydroplaning happens and how to stop it, you've come to the right place.

Simply put, if you want to put an end to hydroplaning, slow down! According to tests conducted by Consumer Reports, speed and the type of tires you're rolling on are the primary ingredients to if you will/will not hydroplane. Additionally, ensure that your tires are properly maintained and inflated to their correct pressure.

**To watch Consumer Report's video on the matter, take a look down below


Hydroplaning happens when a tire loses contact with the road and skims on water. As shown in the accompanying video, hydroplaning can cause a complete loss of steering and braking control, and it can happen in an instant. Even a thin film of water can cause hydroplaning, and it doesn’t have to be raining for there to be a risk. A puddle can cause it...



[Source: Consumer Reports]


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WorldofLuxury - 1/4/2011 11:48:44 PM

+1 Boost

I confess: I love driving through those flooding areas by the side of the road despite the danger and the potential harm to my cars.

truckman - 1/5/2011 5:42:00 AM

+1 Boost

I remember excessive hydroplaning in my F-250 with the stock firestone tires, the out side tread pattern was closed with no where for the water to escape! they would be great if it never rained, the more open the tread pattern the better it would perform, as long as it sheds water with big open channels to let water escape, and yes worn tires hydroplane badly.Mud tires would be great.

t_bone - 1/5/2011 8:59:09 AM

+4 Boost

This wouldn't happen as much if automakers put more attention to steering feel/feedback. The Prius is so bad it feels like a video game controller.