Pontiac 2003 Sunfire Owner's Manual page 182

Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up
under your tires that they can actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and
you're going fast enough. When your vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road.
Hydroplaning doesn't happen often. But it can
if
your tires do not have much tread or if the pressure in
one or more is low. It can happen if a
lot
of water is
standing on the road. If you can see reflections
from trees, telephone poles or other vehicles, and
raindrops "dimple" the water's surface, there could be
hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There
just isn't a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.
The best advice is to slow down when it is raining.
Driving Through Deep Standing Water
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puddles or standing water, water can come in
through your engine's air intake and badly damage
your engine. Never drive through water that is
slightly lower than the underbody of your vehicle. If
you can't avoid deep puddles or standing water,
drive through them very slowly.
Driving Through Flowing Water
Flowi
-
or rushing water creates strong
forces. If you try to drive through flowing
water, as you might at a low water crossing,
your vehicle can be carried away. As little as
six inches of flowing water can carry away a
smaller vehicle. If this happens,
YOU
and other
vehicle occupants could drown. Don't ignore
police warning signs, and otherwise be very
cautious about trying to drive through flcwing
water.
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips
0
Besides slowing down, allow some extra following
distance. And be especially careful when you
pass another vehicle. Allow yourself more clear
room ahead, and be prepared to have your
view restricted by road spray.
e
Have good tires with proper tread depth. See Tires
on page 5-57.
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