9 things you need to do deal with car hydroplane

Cars tend to hydroplane when hitting still water on the road. Drivers should employ these countermeasures to regain control of a hydroplaning car. Otherwise, the option is a negative outcome of this unfortunate accident!

Philkotse.com regards this is the best counter to regaining control when a car hydroplanes on water. It should be part of any driving skill set. For noobs, this will be a terrifying experience for them. Veteran drivers may know what to do instinctively.

The best counter is this step by step guide to regaining control when a car hydroplanes on water

If these are the odds for anyone at the wheel which isn’t very good! A crazy spinning car is dangerous for the driver and other cars that should be brought under control. Here are general tips for you to get rid of the most serious scenario:

• Don’t lose it
• Situational awareness
• Regain steering control
• Brake to a full stop
• Pullover to the side

Now, here’s everything that needs to be done and every relevant course of action that will be essential to pull out of hydroplaning in whatever direction. Take note of every step and remember it to be used when needed!

1. Ensure the car is ready for wet weather

Replacing worn tires is a must to prevent the car from hydroplaning. If tires are neglected while other components are fixed which is a formula for a random disaster.  A good tread will redirect water outwards to allow more solid contact. A shallow one will literally “ride on water”.

Replacing worn tires is a must to prevent the car from hydroplaning

>>> Read more: 5 safety tips to drive on the slippery roads

2. Expect every possibility can happen

On the road anything can happen and when it rains there will be still water on the surface of the road. Another is collections of gravel, grease or anything that makes tire contact difficult. Looking quite far ahead to see what’s in front and how other cars are doing too. Looking out front and anticipating any chances of spinouts caused by still water. 

On the road, anything can happen and when it rains there will be still water on the surface of the road

3. Don’t use cruise control in wet weather

There are a time and place for cruise control, please don’t use it when it’s raining. Manual control of how fast or slow is needed when driving in the rain. Going more than 40 or 50 kph is not a good idea at all. Nor is setting the cruise control when it sets a constant speed either. Never use it when there’s a dread downpour especially! This will save your life.

There are a time and place for cruise control, please don’t use it when it’s raining

>>> Also check: Prepare your ride for the rainy season: 6 common car problems & tips to avoid.

4. Hazard lights are off when in a hydroplaning mode

Never use hazard lights in wet weather because it will distract other drivers who are otherwise, experiencing troubles of their own. Should you hydroplane and start spinning with hazards going which will be the worst distraction for others on the road. Only use it when you’ve regained control from a spinout.

Never use hazard lights in wet weather because it will distract other drivers

5. Think it over systematically without losing sight of the goal

This really applies when you’re in the thick of a hydroplaning car! When everything does literally go out the window, including control or imminent collision. Remember all to do all steps to reign in an out of control and hydroplaning car.

It moves faster and unpredictable because there is no friction anymore with the road. Keep your cool and never lose it or you’re done for without regaining control!

6. Say no to "panic"

Panic will be harmful and very bad for anyone letting go of the wheel. Panicking is just human, but it will be the biggest and maybe the last mistake behind the wheel. Presence of mind and keeping everything clocked in every second clinging to avoid a negative outcome. Let go of the fear and power through without it. That’s the key!

Panic will be harmful and very bad for anyone letting go of the wheel

>>> Worth reading: Best car features to drive through flood in the Philippines

7. Hold tight in the direction of the car’s spin, not opposite it

With the car starting to spin when hydroplaning it has one chance to pull everything in! The driver should pull in the direction not opposed to it. Fighting the spin will result in turn turtling which is the worst outcome. Fight the urge to pull against it which is normal as a reaction.

Turning hard into the spin and feeling out when to ease opposite gently is important. Balancing the centripetal and centrifugal forces at work is important or lose control totally.

With the car starting to spin when hydroplaning it has one chance to pull everything in

8. Adjust with the right amount of steering without overcompensation

Should the spin be too violent, then you’ll need to step on both brake and clutch to stop a car that hydroplanes. Avoid stepping on the brake and clutch if steering can redirect the car into the straight path. Applying it with the right timing is crucial or a mistake if not done right!

9. Choose time to step on both brake and clutch

Should the spin be too violent then you’ll need to step on both brake and clutch to stop a car that hydroplanes. Avoid stepping on the brake and clutch if steering can redirect the car into the straight path. Applying it with the right timing is crucial or a mistake if not done right!

Avoid stepping on the brake and clutch if steering can redirect the car into a straight path

>>> Helpful for you: Is your car suspension ready for the rainy season in the Philippines?

10. Get back to the "race"

After gaining control of the car, with steering out without any hitch is done. Turn the hazard light and pull over to a safe corner of the road. Congratulations because you survived the first deadly spin out that is courtesy of hydroplaning.

Turn the hazard light and pull over to a safe corner of the road

The last thing you’d want to do is to panic and lose control of the car. Follow this step by step guide to regain control when a car hydroplanes on the water will save anyone’s skin! In places where it’s dry and wet weather, there’s a need to know this emergency move.

Especially with many cars racing at times without a speed limit in the metro, one may not know when it might happen but knowing what to do is better! It’s more like steer and cling on or let go and be sorry. The choice is yours!