Heavy rains can be difficult to drive in, and not just because they can lower visibility. If you've ever driven on a road that's covered in water, you may have noticed how much more difficult it can be to drive through large puddles and maintain control of your vehicle. At times, the water in front of your vehicle's tires can build up so fast that your car's weight can't push it out of the way in time. When that happens, the water pressure may lift your car up, essentially forcing you to slide along a slick and thin layer of water.
That effect is called hydroplaning, and it can be a nerve-wracking and costly experience. The National Safety Council advises a few ways you can protect yourself from the effects of hyrdroplaning and avoid losing control in poor weather.
First and foremost, you should always drive slower in heavy rains to avoid the type of hard braking and sharp turns that can lead to hydroplaning. Work to maintain control of your vehicle by driving with a light touch, braking slowly and smoothly and maintaining mild pressure on your gas pedal.
If you feel yourself hydroplaning, avoid sudden braking or turning. This could send your car into a skid and create a much more difficult scenario. Ease off the gas and wait for your car to slow naturally, paying close attention to the point when your vehicle regains contact with the road. If you don't have anti-lock brakes and need to stop, gently pump your brakes. If you have anti-lock brakes, you should be able to brake normally, said the NSC, since your car's computer is equipped to pump your brakes in an effective manner.
If you do find yourself skidding, don't lose your cool. Ease off the gas and slowly turn the steering wheel in your desired direction, preferably out of traffic's way. The NSC cautions that it may take a few turns of your steering wheel to get your tires to travel in a straight line, so don't panic if it seems your car is not responding. If you don't have anti-lock brakes, avoid touching your brakes at all. If you do have anti-lock brakes, it's safe to brake firmly while trying to turn into the skid.
Ultimately, your own driving practices can avoid hydroplaning and skidding, which could lead to accidents and auto insurance claims. By giving yourself plenty of time and driving defensively, you can avoid the type of sudden braking, high speeds or dangerous driving that can lead to hydroplaning. It's a good way to keep yourself safe on the road during a rainy day.
That effect is called hydroplaning, and it can be a nerve-wracking and costly experience. The National Safety Council advises a few ways you can protect yourself from the effects of hyrdroplaning and avoid losing control in poor weather.
First and foremost, you should always drive slower in heavy rains to avoid the type of hard braking and sharp turns that can lead to hydroplaning. Work to maintain control of your vehicle by driving with a light touch, braking slowly and smoothly and maintaining mild pressure on your gas pedal.
If you feel yourself hydroplaning, avoid sudden braking or turning. This could send your car into a skid and create a much more difficult scenario. Ease off the gas and wait for your car to slow naturally, paying close attention to the point when your vehicle regains contact with the road. If you don't have anti-lock brakes and need to stop, gently pump your brakes. If you have anti-lock brakes, you should be able to brake normally, said the NSC, since your car's computer is equipped to pump your brakes in an effective manner.
If you do find yourself skidding, don't lose your cool. Ease off the gas and slowly turn the steering wheel in your desired direction, preferably out of traffic's way. The NSC cautions that it may take a few turns of your steering wheel to get your tires to travel in a straight line, so don't panic if it seems your car is not responding. If you don't have anti-lock brakes, avoid touching your brakes at all. If you do have anti-lock brakes, it's safe to brake firmly while trying to turn into the skid.
Ultimately, your own driving practices can avoid hydroplaning and skidding, which could lead to accidents and auto insurance claims. By giving yourself plenty of time and driving defensively, you can avoid the type of sudden braking, high speeds or dangerous driving that can lead to hydroplaning. It's a good way to keep yourself safe on the road during a rainy day.