HydroplaningHydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can buildup under your tires that they can actually ride onthe water. This can happen if the road is wet enoughand you are going fast enough. When your vehicleis hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road.Hydroplaning does not happen often. But it can ifyour tires do not have much tread or if the pressure inone or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water isstanding on the road. If you can see reflectionsfrom trees, telephone poles, or other vehicles, andraindrops dimple the water’s surface, there could behydroplaning.Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. Therejust is not a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.The best advice is to slow down when it is raining.Driving Through Deep Standing WaterNotice: If you drive too quickly through deeppuddles or standing water, water can come inthrough your engine’s air intake and badly damageyour engine. Never drive through water that isslightly lower than the underbody of your vehicle.If you cannot avoid deep puddles or standing water,drive through them very slowly.Driving Through Flowing Water{CAUTION:Flowing or rushing water creates strongforces. If you try to drive through flowingwater, as you might at a low water crossing,your vehicle can be carried away. As little assix inches of flowing water can carry awaya smaller vehicle. If this happens, you andother vehicle occupants could drown. Do notignore police warning signs, and otherwisebe very cautious about trying to drive throughflowing water.Some Other Rainy Weather Tips• Besides slowing down, allow some extrafollowing distance. And be especially carefulwhen you pass another vehicle. Allow yourselfmore clear room ahead, and be prepared tohave your view restricted by road spray.• Have good tires with proper tread depth.See Tires on page 5-57.4-21
