When you're in an emergency and you don’t know anyone in the area, it can be frustrating to find the right company for your needs. You might not even know where to start looking! Careful Towing Services is here for you 24 hours a day with reliable roadside assistance and long-distance towing service.

Hydroplaning: What Is It And How Can It Be Prevented?

When driving in the rain, hydroplaning is the equivalent of skidding on snow. Both of these scenarios result in your tires losing contact with the road surface and your automobile losing control. What you should know is the following:

The problem occurs when a thin film of water forms between your tires and the road. Normally, your tires' tread pushes the liquid away from the road surface, allowing your vehicle to maintain contact with it. However, when an excessive amount of water accumulates in front of your tires, the pressure in front of them increases. As a result of this pressure, a thin layer of liquid forms between your wheels and the road. You've suddenly lost your hold and are skidding!

This is a terrifying and perhaps deadly situation for you and the other motorists. As a result, how can you avoid it?

Reduce your speed to allow the water to be dislodged by the tread on your tires. Hydroplaning is particularly common at speeds of 35 miles per hour or greater.

As previously noted, driving is especially dangerous during light rain or the initial few minutes of precipitation due to the unstable water and oil mixture created. This is also a high-risk period for hydroplaning, so avoid hitting the road until the window has gone.

The combination of sharp turns and slick pavement creates an excellent condition for skidding. Turns should be as broad and relaxed as possible.

Avoid steering in the skid's direction! Due to the lack of contact between your tires and the road, efficient steering is impossible. Motorists who steer alongside their slides may encounter further challenges if their tires unexpectedly regain contact with the road.

Avoid driving on wet roads and turn off cruise control if it is active when the storm begins. If you begin sliding while in cruise control, the automatic mode actually increases your speed.

If your vehicle hydroplanes, gradually compress the brake pedal until you feel the wheels reconnect with the road. Maintain a straight line of sight and direct the steering wheel in the desired direction.

7. Reduce your speed and, if necessary, travel slower than the posted speed limit, as tires lose traction on wet highways. Due to the fact that less touch means more stopping space is required, allow for a higher following distance between vehicles.

8. If the rain gets extreme, pull over for a short period of time. Heavy rain rarely lasts for an extended period, and waiting it out is far safer than attempting to drive in poor visibility and even worse traction.

9. Maintain a laser-like focus on the road. This entails abstaining from distracting activities such as eating, drinking, listening to the radio, speaking with fellow passengers, or using your phone (even in hands-free mode). This increases your ability to react rapidly to brake lights and increases your chances of driving safely in inclement conditions.

10. Stay away from puddles and standing water, as you have no idea how deep the water is or what is beneath it.

11. Avoid steep hills at all costs. The valleys in between may be inundated.

12. Never cross a flooded brook. Even in shallow water, traction can be lost.

Bear in mind that rain might generate slippery conditions comparable to ice. Drive as though you are genuinely on ice and you will avoid many of the problems associated with rainy driving.

Do You Need Towing Assistance?

Take care of your towing needs and allow us to aid you in getting unstuck! Our licensed and certified professional drivers can assist you with any roadside assistance, winching, or towing that you may require in order to reach your destination safely. If you have any questions or would want to get further safety suggestions for driving in the rain, we are always happy to help!