Bad weather and rainfall pose a threat to drivers – visibility drops, and the car’s adhesion worsens. There are over 150* such rainy days in Poland, which considerably increases the risk of dangerous aquaplaning – the formation of a water wedge between the tyre and the roadway, on which the vehicle begins to slide in an uncontrolled way. How does this happen? It is the result of several factors: worn or poor-quality tyres, too high speed and water accumulating on the road and in the ruts. As a result, the grip of the car drastically decreases, and driving on the road begins to resemble ice skating. Polish Tyre Industry Association (PTIA) advises on how to prevent the occurrence of this dangerous phenomenon.
Aquaplaning is not a joke – it can lead to the loss of control of the car and a serious accident. The risk of its occurrence and loss of grip increases with the speed of the vehicle – however, there is no universal speed boundary that determines skidding. Drivers can reduce the likelihood of aquaplaning if they adapt the speed to difficult road conditions and ensure high-quality tyres – with adequate pressure and the right tread.
– The faster the car travels on a wet surface, the harder the surface of tyres hits the road. This effect increases the hydrostatic pressure of the water, because it is not able to flow quickly enough to the sides. The phenomenon of aquaplaning occurs when the value of this pressure is higher than the pressure that the vehicle applies to the road – the car cannot push the liquid away and the water begins to lift it above the road – explains Piotr Sarnecki, general director of Polish Tyre Industry Association (PTIA).
The correct tyre pressure level will keep sustain traction – the lower the level of this parameter, the easier it is for the water to lift the vehicle above the road, so that it starts to "float". The right tread depth will ensure quick and efficient water flow from under the wheel. Only tyres of good quality will give the driver a guarantee of maintaining appropriate parameters during dangerous situations – not only just after their purchase, but also after several tens of thousands of kilometres of use.
In autumn and winter, the use of winter or all-season tyres with winter homologation will most effectively minimize the factors that favour aquaplaning. Such tyres – thanks to the special, soft rubber compound – will retain their characteristics when the temperature drops below 7°C in the morning. Winter tyres are characterized by the high density of grooves and special cuts, i.e. sipes, which help to drain water, snow and mud.
– Safety should be the priority of every driver. Even the most modern cars with advanced security systems will not be of much help if the vehicle is deprived of the basic driving condition – adhesion, which is ensured by good quality tyres – indicates Sarnecki.
Driver! Keep your foot off the gas!
The effects of aquaplaning can be tragic – so what should every driver do when they experience skidding? First of all – keep your foot off the gas! Do not make any sudden movements of the steering wheel. It is the wrong reactions of drivers that are a frequent cause of accidents – be careful and calm, hold the steering wheel firmly and at the same time let the car reduce its speed, thanks to which the tyres will stop floating on the liquid cushion.
– When it’s raining and there are puddles on the road, it is worth to slow down even to a lower speed than allowed and to keep longer distances from vehicles – the braking distance in such conditions becomes significantly longer – adds Piotr Sarnecki.
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* - Natural disasters and internal security of the country, Institute of Meteorology and Water Management, Warsaw 2012.
Source: Polish Tyre Industry Association