Blog

Aquaplaning

Did you know that the car's tire contact patch is generally smaller than the size of your hand?

Aquaplaning/hydroplaning/tire skidding is a dangerous occurrence of a layer of water under the tire tread when the tire loses direct contact with the asphalt surface and the vehicle begins to slide uncontrollably, leading to loss of vehicle control. This happens during heavy rain or when driving through a puddle. The tire pattern is designed to shed water and gain traction on the road.

When you enter a puddle at high speed on one side of your car, let's say the right pair of wheels for example, it can make your steering wheel turn to the right and if you are not prepared for it, you can lose control , hold on to your steering wheel and be prepared for it.

Here are some helpful tips to help you avoid aquaplaning as much as possible:

  • We recommend that you use tires with a good tread pattern and check your tire pressure at least once a month, both too high and too low tire pressure results in poor contact between the tire and the road, whereby road grip deteriorates and the car's driving characteristics can change significantly.
  • Reduce your speed to increase the chances of maintaining contact with the tire and the road. Brake and accelerate gently to maintain control of the vehicle, sharp and fast maneuvers can cause you to lose control. Buy new tires that will help shed more water through the patterns. A worn tire pattern reduces grip in wet conditions. The wrong choice of tire type can have a major impact on road grip.
  • If possible, change lanes if you see a large puddle and return to your lane when you're done passing the obstacle.

Remember that you can never completely reduce the risk of aquaplaning, but combining these tips can greatly reduce your chances of being in a dangerous situation. See more about driving rules and instructions at prove.dk and get ready for your theory test.
We use cookies to personalize content and to analyze our traffic. Please decide if you are willing to accept cookies from our website.
Advanced Settings