This article was originally posted on economical.com.
Have you ever been driving during a downpour and felt your wheels lift and slide across the road, even just for a second? Or maybe you've driven through a big puddle a little too quickly and felt your back wheels sway from side to side? If you've felt one of these sensations while on the road, chances are your car was hydroplaning — or riding on the surface of the water instead of on the pavement. Learn how hydroplaning works, how to avoid it, and how to handle your car to avoid a hydroplaning collision.
Hydroplaning happens when a sheet of water comes between your tires and the pavement, causing your vehicle to lose traction and sometimes even spin out of control. It's most likely to happen in the first few minutes of a light rain, when the rain mixes with oil residue on the road, creating slippery conditions.
Hydroplaning can also happen when water can't drain off the road quickly enough (during a heavy downpour, for example) or when there are low spots in the road that allow puddles to form. In these situations, your tires hit the water faster than they can push it away, causing them to ride on top of it, which can cause a loss of control.
Hydroplaning happens when a sheet of water comes between your tires and the pavement, causing your vehicle to lose traction and sometimes even spin out of control.
To avoid hydroplaning, take these three tips for a spin:
Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, hydroplaning is unavoidable. If you feel your wheels skidding or sliding, try not to panic. Take these steps to get back on track and avoid a collision:
When you feel your vehicle hydroplaning, remove your foot from the gas pedal. If you keep your foot on the gas, your vehicle could move in the wrong direction when your wheels regain traction.
Have questions about your car insurance coverage would respond if your vehicle is damaged in the event of a hydroplaning mishap? Economical is here to help. And don’t forget – as a George Brown College Alumni member, you have access to exclusive discounts on car and home insurance.
Call 1-888-695-0001 for a quote today!
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