Aquaplaning: How To React & How To Avoid It

• What is meant by aquaplaning?
• When are you most at risk of aquaplaning?
• What does aquaplaning feel like?
• How do you avoid aquaplaning?
• How should you react to aquaplaning?
• What to do after driving through water
• Frequently asked questions

After a spell of heavy rain – a rather common occurrence in the UK – the only fool proof way to avoid driving through water is to lock up the car and stay at home. While this may be necessary during severe weather conditions or red weather warnings, there are times when you’ll need to venture out on the roads.

However, driving through floodwater not only poses a risk of damaging your engine and brakes but also carries a serious threat of aquaplaning. As much as it may sound cool or look impressive in movies, aquaplaning on public roads is undeniably frightening.

We’re here to provide you with essential guidance on how to react if you find yourself in a situation where you lose control, as well as effective measures to reduce the likelihood of aquaplaning. By following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to maintain control during such circumstances and minimize the chances of aquaplaning occurring in the first place.

What is meant by aquaplaning?

Aquaplaning, also referred to as hydroplaning occurs when water on the road creates a barrier between your vehicle’s tires and the solid ground. In this situation, the tires lose contact with the road surface, resulting in a loss of control over your car.

During aquaplaning, steering, accelerating, and braking become less effective, and you may experience the sensation of the back end of your car skidding or “fishtailing,” where it drifts sideways independently of your steering input.

What causes aquaplaning?

Aquaplaning occurs when you drive through water, particularly after a storm or heavy rainfall, and the water accumulates faster than your car can displace it. As a result, the excess water is forced underneath your tyres, causing them to lose contact with the road surface.

When are you most at risk of aquaplaning?

Aquaplaning poses a significant risk in certain situations where rainwater accumulates, such as:

• Dips in the road: Depressions or areas of low elevation on the road surface can collect water, increasing the likelihood of aquaplaning.

• Low-lying areas: Roads situated in low-lying regions or areas prone to flooding are more susceptible to standing water, which heightens the risk of hydroplaning.

• Proximity to large bodies of water: Roadways near rivers or other significant water bodies have an increased chance of aquaplaning, especially during periods of heavy rainfall when the water levels rise and overflow onto the road surface.

• Uneven road surfaces: Roads with uneven or worn-out surfaces, such as ruts or grooves, can trap water and create hazardous conditions for drivers, enhancing the potential for aquaplaning.

It’s important to note that standing water is often difficult to spot, and encountering it at higher speeds significantly increases the risk of hydroplaning.

Additionally, the condition of your tires plays a crucial role, as worn-out or improperly inflated tyres can decrease their ability to maintain traction on wet surfaces, further increasing the chances of aquaplaning.

What does aquaplaning feel like?

When aquaplaning occurs, the experience can be unsettling and comparable to skidding on ice. As a driver, there are certain signs that indicate you are aquaplaning while driving through water:

• Lighter Steering: You may notice that your steering feels lighter and less responsive than usual. This is because the tires lose traction on the water-covered road surface.

• Increased Engine Noise: The sound of your engine may become louder or higher in pitch. This is often due to the increased revs as the wheels spin without proper grip on the road.

• Sudden Increase in Revs: Even without changing gears, you might observe a sudden rise in engine revs. This is a result of the loss of traction, causing the wheels to spin faster.

• Rear End Fishtailing: Your vehicle’s rear end may start to fishtail or drift from side to side. This happens when the back wheels lose traction and slide independently of the front wheels.

It’s crucial to remain calm if you experience aquaplaning. Avoid any sudden or aggressive actions such as braking or turning sharply, as this can worsen the situation. Instead, gradually ease off the accelerator and maintain a steady course until your tires regain contact with the road surface.

How do you avoid aquaplaning?

While it’s best to avoid driving through floodwater whenever possible, we understand that it’s not always feasible to stay away from surface water on the roads. To help minimise the chances of losing control in such situations, consider the following tips:

Slow down 

Reduce your speed when driving through wet conditions, especially during heavy rain or when approaching areas with standing water. Slower speeds allow your tyres to maintain better contact with the road surface, reducing the risk of aquaplaning.

Maintain proper tyre tread 

Ensure your tyres have sufficient tread depth and are in good condition. Bald or worn-out tyres are more prone to hydroplaning as they lack the necessary grip. Regularly check your tire pressure as well, as underinflated tires can increase the risk of losing traction.

Avoid sudden actions

Try to keep your movements smooth and gradual when driving on wet roads. Avoid abrupt acceleration, braking, or sharp steering manoeuvres, as these actions can lead to loss of control. Gentle, controlled inputs allow your tires to maintain better contact with the road.

Increase the following distance

Leave a larger gap between your vehicle and the one in front of you. This provides extra time to react and adjust your driving if needed. It also reduces the risk of sudden braking, which can result in skidding or aquaplaning.

Use headlights and wipers

Turn on your headlights and use the appropriate setting on your wipers to improve visibility in rainy conditions. This allows you to see potential hazards on the road and react in a timely manner.

Be cautious of road conditions

Pay attention to any dips or low-lying areas where water is likely to accumulate. Also, be mindful of road surfaces that may be uneven or damaged, as they can increase the risk of aquaplaning.

By following these precautions and adjusting your driving behaviour, you can help minimise the risk of aquaplaning and maintain better control of your vehicle when encountering wet road conditions.

Remember, safety should always be the top priority when driving in challenging weather conditions.

How should you react to aquaplaning?

When faced with aquaplaning, it’s crucial to react calmly and effectively to regain control of your vehicle. Here are the key steps to follow:

Stay calm

It’s natural to feel startled or anxious, but it’s important to remain calm and focused. Panicking can hinder your ability to respond appropriately.

Ease off the accelerator

Release the accelerator pedal slowly and avoid sudden movements. This helps to reduce the risk of losing control further.

Maintain steering control

Keep your steering wheel straight and avoid making abrupt turns or corrections. This allows your tires to regain traction and stability.

Avoid harsh braking

Slamming on the brakes can cause your tyres to lock up and exacerbate the aquaplaning situation. Instead, gently apply the brakes once you start to regain control of the vehicle.

Regain control gradually

As you feel the tyres making contact with the road again, you can gradually increase steering input and brake more firmly to slow down if necessary. Remember to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.

Learn from the experience

Take note of the conditions that led to the aquaplaning incident and adjust your driving behaviour accordingly. Reduce your speed when encountering standing water or wet surfaces to minimise the risk of aquaplaning.

By reacting calmly, staying focused, and following these steps, you can effectively handle aquaplaning situations and ensure your safety on the road.

What to do after driving through water

After driving through water, it’s important to take certain steps to ensure the safety and proper functioning of your vehicle. Here’s what you should do:

Check your brakes

Water can affect the performance of your brakes, so it’s crucial to test them after driving through water. Drive slowly in a low gear and gently apply pressure to the brake pedal to check if they are responsive. This will also help dry them out if they have become wet. Familiarise yourself with this process to know how to do it effectively.

Watch for stalling

If your vehicle stalls after exiting the water, it may indicate that water has entered your engine. In such a case, do not attempt to restart your car. It’s advisable to contact your emergency breakdown cover provider and arrange for a qualified mechanic to inspect and make your vehicle safe again.

Listen for engine changes

Even if your car doesn’t stall, listen attentively for any unusual changes in engine noise. If you notice any abnormal sounds or behaviour, it’s wise to have your engine checked over by a professional to identify and address any potential issues.

Check your lights

Verify that all your lights, including headlights, brake lights, indicators, and hazard lights, are fully functional. If any lights have become damaged or non-operational, have them repaired or replaced promptly.

Dry out footwell carpets

Water may have seeped into the footwells of your vehicle, particularly if there was a significant amount of water on the road. To prevent issues like mould growth and unpleasant odours, thoroughly dry out the carpets in your footwells. Use absorbent materials or consider using a wet/dry vacuum to extract the moisture.

By following these post-water driving precautions, you can identify and address any potential damage or issues and ensure that your vehicle remains safe and in good condition.

Frequently asked questions