Hydroplaning is a term used to describe when a vehicle slides off the road. It occurs when your car’s tyre treads are unable to displace water on wet road conditions, causing the vehicle to slide. Aquaplaning and hydroplaning are both terms used to describe the same thing. When driving on wet roads, particularly during the monsoon, the car’s tyre treads push the water away from the road surface and make touch with it.

When there is more water, the pressure forces the water beneath the tyres, forming a thin layer between the road and the rubber. As a result, the tyre loses contact with the road, and the driver loses control of the vehicle, leading it to skid.

Hydroplaning is caused by a combination of factors-

1. Hydroplaning may be caused by a variety of causes, the most frequent of which being driving too fast on wet roads. On wet roads, the treads of the front automobile tyres assist in displacing water. Increased vehicle speed causes more water to accumulate, which the tyre may be unable to dislodge, causing the tyre to lose contact with the road. The driver loses control of the vehicle and it begins to slide in this situation.

2. Tread Depth and Pattern Tread depth and pattern are another important component that contributes to hydroplaning. The road surface is immediately contacted by the treads of the tyres. There is a considerable risk of hydroplaning if the threads of the tyre are worn down. 

The deeper the tyre treads, the better the water is displaced off the road surface. To avoid hydroplaning, use tyres with tread designs that can remove more water and are more resistant to hydroplaning.

3. Water depth and road conditions are linked. The risk of hydroplaning increases exponentially as the water depth increases. To put it another way, road conditions influence the likelihood of hydroplaning.

Hydroplaning is an unpredictable situation. It happens quickly, therefore drivers on wet roads should be particularly cautious. It is always recommended to get your tyres inspected regularly. Daily inspections will prolong your vehicle’s life. Bring your vehicle to experts at Car Mechanics in Stansted and Car mechanics in Bishop’s Stortford for thorough and professional car inspections that will keep your car in good shape for longer.