Imagine, you’re driving along on an overcast summer day. You’re minding your speed, traffic is light, and there doesn’t seem to anything particular to be concerned about. You’re driving along on an overcast summer day. You’re minding your speed, traffic is light, and there doesn’t seem to anything particular to be concerned about.
Suddenly it begins to rain. You know the drill: turn on your windshield wipers, make sure your headlights are on, and tap the brakes to cancel the cruise control. These are all common sense actions all drivers should take even while driving in a light rain.
The rain starts coming down harder and harder but visibility is still pretty good so you’re not concerned. But then you experience a very odd sensation. Your vehicle seems to be floating above the road. It seems to have a mind of its own. You might as well make suggestions to your car as to how to stay on the road as you’re now powerless over the steering. You know what’s happening. It’s happened before. You’re hydroplaning. And hydroplaning can be just as dangerous as sliding across a frozen highway.
What is Hydroplaning?
Hydroplaning usually occurs within the first 10 minutes of a rainstorm when oils, dirt and debris begin to wash off the surface of the road. It also happens when there is too much water for the tread of your tires to scatter, so your vehicle is literally lifted above the surface of the water.
What to Do if You’re Hydroplaning While Driving
Take your foot off the accelerator, don’t brake, and wait for your tires to slow down to a point where they can handle dispersing the water. Continue on at this slower speed until the storm lets up.
How Can I Prevent Hydroplaning When It’s Raining?
“Having quality tires with the proper amount of tread is one of the best things a driver can do to prevent hydroplaning,” says Jake Schaefer service director at Smart Motors. “A lot of people wait until winter is approaching to change their balding tires, but we recommend you change your tires at 4/32” remaining tread, regardless of the time of year, so that you don’t experience a lag in wet weather performance.”
100 Year Flood
The 100-Year Flood in Madison, WI
Hydroplaning is just one of the dangers of driving in heavy rains, as many Wisconsinites might have learned in 2018 when we experienced the “100-year flood” in which up to 20 inches of water was collected in certain areas. At Smart Motors in Madison, well over 100 flood damaged vehicles were towed in after the waters subsided to a navigable degree. Owners were hoping against hope their cars and trucks could be repaired.
Can Driving in the Rain Damage Your Car?
“Time and time again, we had to break the news to people that their car or truck was totaled,” says Jake Schaefer. “In fact, the totaled vehicles far outnumbered the ones that could be repaired.”
Schaefer says the majority of the totaled vehicles experienced water getting into the engine, which can cause irreversible damage. Schaefer says that unfortunately, there is no water-depth rule. He says that one need not drive through a 12” puddle to cause damage. Even in shallow water, all it takes is just the right splash to find its way into the engine and ruin the vehicle.
Driving in Heavy Rain: Safety Tips
Preventing water damage can be tricky and certainly not foolproof, but Schaefer says there are some measures drivers should take if there is a threat of flooding. “First of all,” he says, “If you don’t absolutely have to drive in flood-like conditions, don’t!” Also, remember the National Weather Service trademark phrase; “Turn Around. Don’t Drown.”
If there are flood warnings, the first consideration for a driver is to move the vehicle to a higher ground if that is an option. If this is not an option, Schafer says to leave the vehicle where it is.
If you are on the road during flood conditions, exercise extreme caution and a use a lot of common sense. Schaefer says if you can’t see the road because there’s so much standing water, don’t risk driving through it. “You can’t determine water depth without going in,” he says. “My suggestion is to pull over safely and observe other vehicles that may brave their way through the flooding.” Schaefer also warns that during a flood, there may no longer be any roadway under the water and you could drive into an impromptu river. If the water is over 12″ in depth, it could sweep a car away.
Schafer offers these additional helpful hints for driving in heavy rain conditions:
• If at all possible, wait to embark on your trip until the weather improves.
• Check your tires periodically and replace them if the tread is worn to a dangerously low level.
• Slow down.
• Do not use cruise control.
• Turn on your headlights. In some cases you might even want to turn on your hazards.
• Definitely use your windshield wipers. Replace them if they are damaged or worn.
• Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
• Avoid heavy or sudden braking.
• As mentioned above, be wary of standing water.
• If you’re hydroplaning, step off the gas and try not to brake.
• Ventilate your vehicle to prevent windows from fogging up.
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