06/05/2026
π’ Term of the Day: Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning happens when your tires ride on top of a thin layer of water instead of gripping the road surface beneath it.
When it happens, you lose steering control and braking becomes unreliable. Your car is essentially gliding, not driving.
It most often happens:
β In the first minutes of rain, before oil and residue wash away
β At speeds above 35 mph on wet roads
β In standing water or flooded sections of road
What to do if you hydroplane:
β Don't brake suddenly, it makes the skid worse
β Ease off the gas gently
β Steer straight or in the direction you want to go
β Wait for your tires to regain contact with the road, it usually resolves quickly
The best prevention is slowing down in wet conditions and keeping your tires properly inflated and with adequate tread depth.
Save this. π Especially useful for summer rain season in New England.
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