How to Avoid Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning can happen in seconds; once it does, you lose control of your vehicle. It’s a frightening experience, but one that can often be prevented with the right precautions. At Casey Chevrolet, we believe safe driving starts before you even hit the road. That’s why we’re covering not only what to do behind the wheel but also the importance of maintaining or replacing your Chevrolet tires to avoid hydroplaning altogether.

Ride on the Right Chevrolet Tires for Your Model

Installing high-quality Chevrolet tires on your car, truck, or SUV is one of the best ways to avoid hydroplaning. High-quality tires that perfectly fit your vehicle are crucial to your safety, as inferior tires that don’t fit as well won’t grip the road as tightly as you need them to. Chevrolet tires are designed to keep you safe even when the roads get wet and slippery.

Keep Up With Tire Health and Maintenance

Even the best Chevrolet tires need to be adequately maintained. If your tires are deflated, worn, or damaged, your risk of hydroplaning during or after heavy rains dramatically increases. Every vehicle’s tires need to be rotated annually, and if you notice any issues like low treads, cracks, bumps, or splits in your tires, come to the Casey Chevrolet service center immediately.

Drive Carefully in Wet Conditions

Having the right tires will boost your confidence during wet or slick road conditions, but there are a few things you’ll need to do to avoid hydroplaning when you’re behind the wheel:

• Drive slowly, especially when turning
• Turn off the cruise control so you have complete command over the vehicle
• Decelerate carefully, as slamming on the brakes can cause you to hydroplane
• Avoid puddles or standing water in low areas or under bridges
• Stay in the center lanes if you’re on a wide road, as water can collect in the outer lanes
• If it’s raining, maximize your visibility by setting your windshield wipers and windshield defogger according to the outdoor conditions

Remember that your safety is the most important thing, particularly in rough and wet weather. If conditions get too treacherous, there’s nothing wrong with finding a safe spot to pull over and wait for the weather and roads to improve.

Hydroplaning Prevention FAQ

Let’s address a few common driving safety questions around hydroplaning.

What causes hydroplaning in the first place?

Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between your tires and the road surface, causing your vehicle to lose traction. It typically happens at higher speeds, especially on roads with standing water, and is more likely when your tires are worn or improperly inflated.

How do good tires help prevent hydroplaning?

Tires with sufficient tread depth are better at channeling water away from the contact patch, helping your vehicle maintain grip. Worn tires struggle to do this, significantly increasing your risk of hydroplaning. It’s also crucial to keep your tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI for optimal performance.

Are certain tire types better in wet conditions?

Yes. All-season and dedicated rain tires feature tread designs specifically engineered to disperse water more efficiently. If you live in an area that frequently sees heavy rain, consider investing in tires with strong wet-weather ratings.

What driving habits reduce the risk of hydroplaning?

Reduce your speed, especially during or right after a rainstorm. Avoid puddles when possible. Don’t use cruise control in wet conditions. Try to drive in the tire tracks of vehicles ahead of you, where water may be displaced. Avoid sudden movements—gentle steering, braking, and acceleration are key.

Is hydroplaning more common with certain types of vehicles?

Lightweight vehicles and those with wide tires may be more prone to hydroplaning. However, regardless of what you drive, poor tire maintenance and high speeds are the biggest risk factors.

Get Tires and Maintenance at Casey Chevrolet Today!

Hydroplaning doesn’t have to be part of your driving experience. Proper tire maintenance and smart driving practices can significantly reduce your risk. Visit Casey Chevrolet to have your tire tread and inflation checked by our service team. We’ll make sure your vehicle is road-ready—rain or shine—and help you explore our Chevy service specials.