Hydroplaning
Three main factors contribute to hydroplaning, or the loss of traction on wet roads:
- Vehicle speed: As speed increases, wet traction is considerably reduced.
- Water depth: The deeper the water, the sooner you will lose traction, although even thin water layers can cause a loss of traction, even at low speeds.
- Tire tread depth: As your tires become worn, their ability to resist hydroplaning is reduced.
Since hydroplaning can result in a complete loss of traction and vehicle control, you should always reduce speed with consideration to the traffic around you.
Driving On Ice And Snow
All-season tires are designed to provide higher levels of snow traction than non-all-season tires. You have all-season tires if you find the letters "M+S" molded into the sidewall near the bead. These letters mean "Mud and Snow."
Even the best all-season tires will not provide acceptable levels of traction if you drive too fast in snow or icy conditions, and if you do not allow at least 2 times more stopping distance on wintry roads.
For Safe Winter Driving:
- Reduce your speed. Even good road conditions can deteriorate quickly.
- Increase your stopping distance by at least 2 times more than on dry roads. You may not always need that much distance, but when you do, you'll be glad you were playing it safe.
- Check the condition of your tires. Worn tires provide less grip.
