Advertisement
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
NOTICE:
If you drive too quickly through deep 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
1,ower than the underbody
'of
your vehicle. If
you
can't avoid deep
puddles
or
standing water, drive
through them very
slowly.
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips
Turn on your low-beam headlamps
--
not just your
parking lamps
--
to help make you more visible
to others.
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.
Have good tires with proper tread depth.
(See
"Tires" in the Index.)
4-20
Advertisement
