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 strong forces.If you try to drive through flowing water, as youmight at a low water crossing, your vehicle canbe carried away. As little as six inches offlowing water can carry away a smaller vehicle.If this happens, you and other vehicleoccupants could drown. Do not ignore policewarning signs, and otherwise be very cautiousabout trying to drive through flowing water.Some Other Rainy Weather Tips• Turn on your low-beam headlamps — not just yourparking lamps — to help make you more visibleto others.• Besides slowing down, allow some extra followingdistance. And be especially careful when you passanother vehicle. Allow yourself more clear roomahead, and be prepared to have your view restrictedby road spray.• Have good tires with proper tread depth.See Tires on page 5-53.4-33
