Hydroplaning occurs when the tires on your vehicle lose their grip on a road surface and instead travel on a thin layer of water sitting on top of the road. Hydroplaning is dangerous, as it dramatically reduces a driver’s ability to steer and brake. Here at our Tumminia Mazda service center, our team of certified Mazda mechanics is happy to share tips on avoiding hydroplaning.

What Causes Hydroplaning?

Before we explain how to avoid hydroplaning, you need to understand what it is and what causes it. Four main factors cause hydroplaning:

• Road conditions: As water depth on a road surface increases to more than 1/10th of an inch, the risk of hydroplaning worsens.
• Vehicle speed: The higher your speed, the more likely your car will hydroplane. It can occur at speeds as low as 35 miles per hour.
• Tread depth: A tire’s tread depth is one of the most critical factors that lead to hydroplaning. Even the best tires offer little resistance to hydroplaning when their tread is worn down to 2/32^nd of an inch or less.
• Vehicle weight: The lighter the vehicle, the more likely it is to hydroplane. 

How to Avoid Hydroplaning

Here are some strategies to avoid hydroplaning:

• Slow down when roads are wet.
• Don’t drive on worn-down tires. Keep up with your tire maintenance at our Mazda dealership in Olathe KS.
• Don’t use cruise control when the roads are wet.
• Maintain a safe distance away from vehicles in front of you.
• Steer clear of puddles and standing water.

Since the tires on your Mazda car are one of the easier variables to control, ensure they’re in good shape by scheduling a service appointment here at Tumminia Mazda. We look forward to helping you stay safer on the road no matter what the weather may bring.