How to Avoid Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning can occur anytime the road is wet, but you can learn a few ways to reduce your risk here.
Written by Macy Fouse
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
Hydroplaning can be a frightening and unexpected experience for drivers, but you can lower your risk by keeping an eye on your tire tread and practicing a few safety tips. 
From reduced visibility to dealing with frantic drivers, driving in heavy rain is already a hassle—but adding in the chance of hydroplaning adds in a whole new level of stress. While it’s not always avoidable, knowing the ins and outs of hydroplaning can lower the possibility of it happening to you. 
Luckily for you,
Jerry
is here to explain all you need to know. As a
trusted car insurance comparison app
and car safety expert, Jerry will go over how hydroplaning occurs, how to reduce your risk, and how to protect your car with affordable
car insurance
icon
Make safe driving pay
Get rewarded for safe driving. Earn points and unlock benefits. Totally free.
Start earning now

What is hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning—also known as “aquaplaning”—happens when water gets under your vehicle’s tires and separates them from the surface of the road. This causes your car to skid, making it impossible to take control of the car. This can happen whether it’s a thin film of water, standing water, or a massive puddle. 
When this happens, you generally lose the ability to steer or brake, creating a hazardous situation for you and any surrounding drivers. It’s not only dangerous, but it’s also scary!

What causes hydroplaning?

Your chances of hydroplaning could increase or decrease depending on the following factors:
  • Low tread depth. Your tire’s tread depth is the biggest factors in the likelihood of hydroplaning. The more worn your tires get, the higher your chances of hydroplaning. Even if your tires lose 2/32nd of an inch of tread, your tire can’t provide enough grip to stay on the road in wet conditions.
  • Poor road conditions. Hydroplaning occurs on any wet pavement, but the possibility goes up if the water depth increases to 1/10th of an inch or more. If a road’s surface has any dips or grooves, or if it doesn’t have proper drainage, you’re at a higher risk of hydroplaning.
  • High speeds. Your tire treads are made to remove water from under your car, which gets more difficult at higher speeds—especially when there’s a lot of water on the road. Depending on other factors, hydroplaning can occur even at lower speeds.
  • Low vehicle weight. Heavier vehicles tend to fare better against hydroplaning than lightweight cars. This is because their weight adds more force to the tires, making it easier for them to displace the surface water.
RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
Find insurance savings
rating reverse-full
"I’m earning
awesome rewards
every week, just for driving safe!”

How to minimize your risk of hydroplaning

Hydroplaning is a terrifying experience, but you may be able to avoid it by following these handy tips to minimize your risk.

Slow down

While hydroplaning can occur at lower speeds, it’s less likely if you’re driving 35 mph or slower. In fact, it’s best to slow your speed by five to 10 miles per hour the second the rain starts to fall. If you must drive significantly under the speed limit to stay safe, turn your hazards on and stay in the farthest right lane.
As a rule of thumb, the heavier the rain is, the slower you should go. You should also avoid any sudden accelerations, hard braking, or sharp turns.

Don’t use cruise control on wet roads

Using cruise control in wet conditions could increase your risk of losing control of your vehicle. If you start to hydroplane with cruise control on, your tires will begin to spin faster, leading your vehicle to fishtail. This can also lead to loss of steering control.
MORE: Tire wear patterns and what they mean 

Inspect your tire tread regularly

Inadequate tire tread is one of the largest contributors to hydroplaning, so stay on top of the game by inspecting your tire tread once a month. If your tread is less than 2/32nd of an inch, it’s probably time for you to replace the tire.
One quick and easy way to measure your tire’s tread depth is by using the penny test. Start by placing a penny in one of the grooves with Lincoln’s head facing the bottom of the groove. If your tread doesn’t reach or cover part of Lincoln’s head, your tread is too low.

Keep your tires inflated

Keeping an eye on your tire pressure is another crucial factor in reducing your risk for hydroplaning. If your car’s tires aren’t inflated enough—or they’ve been overinflated—they won’t have enough traction to sufficiently displace water from under the tires. 

Avoid driving through standing water

Hydroplaning can happen on any wet road surface, but it’s much more likely in standing water. It’s nearly impossible to tell for sure how deep a puddle is, especially when you’re driving quickly down the road. If possible, switch lanes or maneuver safely around any standing water you see.
If you do drive through a puddle, gently tap your brakes a few times to make sure they’re working well afterwards. 

Leave space between vehicles

It’s important to allow for some extra room between you and the car in front of you when you’re driving. First, it will reduce your risk of a major accident if you do hydroplane. Since visibility is reduced, additional space allows extra braking distance to avoid any issues.
Secondly, having more space will allow you to see the tracks of the car in front of you. Those tracks indicate that some surface water has been dispersed, so try to drive in the tracks to reduce your chance of hydroplaning.

Minimize your risk of expensive repair bills with new car insurance

Even if you’ve taken every precaution against hydroplaning, accidents still happen—and while you can’t plan when they’ll happen, you can be prepared for the aftermath with a solid car insurance policy.
Finding a good policy without paying an arm and a leg might feel impossible, but luckily, that’s why
Jerry
was created. As a
licensed broker
and top-rated insurance app, Jerry uses your existing insurance information to find you competitive quotes from over 55 insurance companies. Once you make your pick, Jerry will lock down your new policy and even help you cancel your old one!
There’s no catch. In fact, Jerry users save more than $800 a year on average!
 “Without a doubt, using
Jerry
was a seamless process!  The staff were attentive to my every question. My new Nationwide policy premium saves me $200 a month. Let them save you money too!” —Kenny P. 
RECOMMENDED
Jerry automatically checks if you are paying the lowest price for your insurance, for free.
Instantly compare top insurance companies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
What insurance do you want to compare?

FAQs

If you start to hydroplane, try to stay calm. Don’t slam on the brakes—instead, remove your foot from the gas pedal and allow your car to slow down on its own. (Gently tap your brakes if you have anti-lock brakes to help your tires gain traction again.) Try to hold your steering wheel as steady as possible. Once you gain control again, don’t come to a full stop unless you pull over onto the shoulder completely.
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
Try Jerry

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings