The Motorist Guide to aquaplaning - what it is and how the driver should handle it
Drive safely on wet roads by learning all about aquaplaning - its causes, prevention tips, and how to regain control if it happens.
What is aquaplaning?
Aquaplaning, or hydroplaning, occurs when a layer of water builds up between your vehicle’s tires and the road surface. This happens when the tires are unable to channel water away quickly enough, causing the tires to lose contact with the road. As a result, the vehicle may skid or slide uncontrollably, increasing the risk of an accident.
In tropical countries such as Philippines, where rain is frequent and often heavy, it’s important to know how to recognise and avoid aquaplaning. It’s especially dangerous when driving at high speeds or on poorly-drained roads, where standing water is more likely to accumulate.
How aquaplaning happens
Aquaplaning occurs when the following conditions are met:
- Heavy rainfall
When the rain comes down heavily, it can create puddles or a thin film of water on the road surface. If the road is not properly drained, the water remains on the road instead of being absorbed or flowing off.
- Vehicle speed
Driving too fast in wet conditions is one of the primary causes of aquaplaning. The
faster you drive, the harder it is for your tires to displace the water, leading to a layer
of water forming beneath your tires.
- Tires' condition
Worn-out or under-inflated tires are much more likely to aquaplane. Tires with shallow tread grooves cannot channel water effectively, increasing the risk of hydroplaning.
- Still water
Roads which have visible pools of water or areas where water accumulates (sides of the road or lower banking) tend to cause aquaplaning.
- Smooth surfaces
Roads which are smooth and have little texture (such as highway tarmac) provide less grip and can increase the likelihood of aquaplaning.
How do I know if my car is aquaplaning?
Recognising the signs of aquaplaning early can help you take the right actions to regain control of your vehicle. Since aquaplaning happens so quickly, it’s important to stay alert to any of the following symptoms while driving on wet roads:
- Loss of steering control
One of the most obvious signs of aquaplaning is when your steering feels "light" or
unresponsive. If you try to steer but the vehicle doesn’t seem to react as expected, it's a strong indication that your tires are no longer in full contact with the road due to the buildup of water.
- Unusual skidding or sliding
If your car starts to slide or drift without you twirling the steering wheel, it’s a sign that the tires are riding on a layer of water instead of gripping the road. This can feel like
your car is "floating" or moving in a different direction than where you are steering it.
- Sudden loss of braking power
When you’re aquaplaning, you might notice that your brake pedal feels "soft" or less responsive. Since the tires are not in contact with the road, they cannot grip effectively, meaning the braking force is significantly reduced. If you find that your brakes aren’t working as they should, this could be a sign that you're hydroplaning.
- A sudden increase in engine noise
When aquaplaning occurs, you may also hear an unusual sound, like a sudden increase in engine noise or tire noise. This happens because the tires are no longer in contact with the road surface, so the engine or tires are working harder to compensate for the lack of grip.
- The vehicle pulls in one direction
If your car begins to pull or veer to one side despite you not turning the steering
wheel, it could be because one tire is aquaplaning more than the others. This uneven traction can cause the car to drift, making it harder to keep the vehicle on its original path.
What to do if your vehicle aquaplanes
If you experience any of these symptoms and suspect that you are aquaplaning, here’s what you should do immediately to regain control:
- Stay calm
Do not panic. Aquaplaning can be frightening, but staying calm will help you make the
right decisions to solve the issue.
- Ease off the gas pedal
Gradually reduce your speed by slowly easing off the accelerator. Don’t slam on the
brakes, pull the handbrake or make sudden steering movements.
- Steer gently
Once you’ve eased off of the accelerator, gently steer towards the slide until traction is
regained. Avoid jerky steering inputs to prevent further loss of control.
- Wait for traction to return
As you slow down, the tires should start to regain traction with the road. Once they do,
you can resume normal driving, but remember to stay at a lower speed until the road
conditions improve.
How to avoid aquaplaning
While aquaplaning is dangerous, the good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:
- Slow down
This is the most important tip, as aquaplaning is more likely to occur at high speeds.
When it rains, lower your speed to give your tires more time to disperse water.
The faster you drive, the more difficult it is for the tires to maintain traction.
- Maintain proper tire pressure
Under-inflated tires have less contact with the road and are more susceptible to
aquaplaning. Regularly check your tire pressure and ensure that your tires are properly inflated according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Replace worn tires
Tires with worn-out tread are more prone to aquaplaning because they cannot channel water effectively. If the tread on your tires is low, it’s time to replace them.
- Avoid still water
Try to avoid driving through puddles or areas of standing water, as these are the most likely places for aquaplaning to occur. If you must drive through a puddle, slow down and proceed carefully.
- Keep a safe distance
Increase the following distance between you and the car in front of you. This gives you more time to react in case the vehicle ahead suddenly slows down or skids.
- Drive in the tracks of other vehicles
If you’re on a highway with a lot of vehicles, try to drive in the tire tracks left by other
vehicles. These areas have less water accumulation from the tires, reducing the
chances of aquaplaning.
