Spring brings warmer weather, but it also means more rain and wet roads—prime conditions for hydroplaning. Hydroplaning happens when your vehicle’s tires lose contact with the road due to a layer of water, causing a loss of traction and control. It can happen in just a fraction of an inch of water at speeds as low as 35 mph, especially if your tires are worn or under-inflated. It’s a common cause of accidents in the spring, proving the emergency roadside assistance in NH isn’t just a winter need!
D&R Towing is here when you need emergency roadside assistance in NH, but it’s better to avoid an accident when you can. Here’s a look at how hydroplaning happens and how you can prevent it.
Hydroplaning occurs when water builds up in front of the tires faster than the car’s weight can push it away. As a result, your tires ride on top of the water instead of the pavement, leading to dangerous skids or even accidents. Heavier rainfall, sudden downpours, and puddles are common in the spring, increasing the risk.
Maintain Your Tires
The first step in avoiding hydroplaning is tire maintenance. Make sure your tires have good tread depth—at least 4/32 of an inch is recommended—and are properly inflated according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Tires in good condition can channel water more effectively and maintain better grip.
Drive Carefully
When driving in wet conditions, reduce your speed and avoid cruise control. Slower speeds give your tires more time to push water aside, and cruise control can delay your reaction time if your vehicle starts to skid. Stick to the center lanes if possible, as water tends to pool on the outer edges of the road.
Avoid sudden movements—sharp turns or abrupt braking can cause your tires to lose traction more easily on wet surfaces. Instead, steer gently and brake slowly if needed. If you do start to hydroplane, remain calm. Ease off the accelerator, avoid slamming the brakes, and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go.
Emergency Roadside Assistance in NH | D&R Towing
Spring rain can catch drivers off guard, but with the proper precautions, you can stay safe. But if you do get into an accident, D&R Towing is ready to help you with roadside assistance in NH.
