Aquaplaning

Getting An Edge On Aquaplaning

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There's probably no worse feeling. You're driving on a wet stretch of road and all of a sudden it feels as though your vehicle has a mind of its own. Of course, your vehicle isn't possessed; it has "caught a wave." You're aquaplaning - your tyres are no longer in direct contact with the road as they are riding on top of the water that has pooled on the road.

What causes aquaplaning?

aquaplaning can occur when a combination of speed, tyre wear, tyre inflation or the depth of water on the pavement causes the tyres to lose traction. Essentially, a layer of water creates a barrier between the road and your tyres. This barrier can cause you to lose traction and glide or aquaplane across the water's surface.

In wet weather, the tyres that have been properly maintained and are in good running condition can cut through the water and maintain contact with the pavement at speeds less than 50 km/h. In cases where the tyres are excessively worn (bald tyres) or underinflated, or the water is very deep, you may still aquaplane at slower speeds.

At higher speeds (70 km/h and higher), the wedge of water in front of the tyres may pass under the tyres and the tyres will ride on a cushion of water - resulting in a possible complete loss of traction.

Tire manufacturers are continually working to produce tyres that give you an edge in wet conditions. aquaEdge™, Michelin's latest ultra-premium (mass-market) tyre offers superior performance on dry or wet surfaces as well as exceptional aquaplaning resistance.

"The all-season tyre aquaEdge features dual center grooves that are not exposed to the sipes or other water execution mechanisms," explains Tony Mougios, Michelin Brand Manager for Canada. "This means that these tyres can evacuate water very quickly. Specially angled aquaChutes also reduce the water flow turbulence for excellent overall wet weather performance."

Along with purchasing tyres that offer aquaplaning resistance like aquaEdge, Michelin offers the following tips for preventing and/or dealing with aquaplaning.

• Check your tyres and tyre inflation regularly
• Reduce your speed even more when approaching still water and puddles
• Drive in the tracks of preceding vehicles
  

Should your vehicle aquaplane:

• Shift to neutral (on a standard transmission, depress the clutch)
• Activate the hazard lights
• Grip the steering wheel firmly and steer where you want to go
• Avoid braking or accelerating
• Check your rear view mirror