How to Prevent Hydroplaning: Tips from Coachwest

Weather can place people in good or bad moods depending on the individual. Some can’t live in the north where the sun is always covered in clouds and rain falls on and off regularly. Some can’t stand the south when the sun’s rays touch everyone and everything constantly. Whether you prefer the rain or the sun there are some potentially hazardous things to watch out for when driving. Hydroplaning is one of them.

Hydroplaning occurs when a sheet of water prevents your tires from gripping the road and causes your vehicle to slide and you to lose control. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to prevent your vehicle from hydroplaning the next time it rains. Here are some tips from Coachwest on how to help prevent hydroplaning and some suggestions on what to do if it still happens.

Tips to Prevent Hydroplaning

• Rotate your tires regularly– Coachwest recommends rotating your tires to ensure that all four of them have an even wear. Weight from the vehicle’s front and rear axles differ, and regularly rotating your tires will help them last longer as they wear out slowly and evenly.
• Make sure your tires are inflated– When tire pressure is low and too much of your tire’s surface area touches the road, increased friction could cause blowouts and overheating. There is also an increased risk of hydroplaning since more surface area on the road leads to quicker tire wear and less traction. Here at Coachwest, we suggest you check your tire pressure often to ensure maximum tire safety.
• Use the coin test!– There’s a simple test you can do to ensure your tires have enough tread for the open road. Take a penny and place it in the grooves of all four of your tires one at a time. Place the coin upside down and with Lincoln’s head facing you. If you can see the full shape of Lincoln’s head, then your tire tread depth is too low, and you should replace them for your own safety. If even a small part of the top of his head is covered by your tire, then your tires are still safe to drive on.
• Be aware of others around you– Watch the drivers around you and in front of you. If you notice that they are having trouble keeping control of their vehicle and begin to hydroplane, slow down slowly. Pressing on the brake will only make your situation worse and cause you to hydroplane yourself. Maintain a decent distance between yourself and others to prevent accidents from sliding.

Coachwest Luxury & Professional Motorcars

Here at Coachwest, we understand that safety is the most important feature of any vehicle. That’s why we ensure that every limousine, bus, SUV, or van sold is up to date on safety features and quality. Practicing these tips regularly will help ensure you’ve done everything you can to prevent your vehicle from hydroplaning the next time it rains. For more information about the types of vehicles and the products and services we offer, visit our website at www.coachwest.com.