Proper tyre and correct pressure significantly reduce the risk of aquaplaning
In Poland there are approximately 150 days with precipitation[1]. Especially in the warm season, when it rains often, it is worth to remember that there were more than 33.5 thousand traffic accidents[2] in our country last year. Bad weather and precipitation is a threat to drivers – visibility is declining, and the car has worse grip to the road. One of the dangers that may appear on rainy days is the aquaplaning. Because of it, the car's grip is drastically reduced while driving in ruts filled with water or extensive puddles, and during heavy rainfall. Under such conditions a layer of water is formed between the tyre and the road surface that causes sliding of the vehicle – the effect is similar to that of moving on ice. The car stops responding to the steering wheel, and braking does not work. PZPO advises on how to reduce the probability of aquaplaning – first of all, speed down and remember about the importance of proper type and quality of tyres, as well as the tread depth – over 1.6 mm. Once you get into the aquaplaning you have to keep driving, release the accelerator pedal and press the clutch.
As the speed increases, the risk of grip loss due to aquaplaning increases. There is no universal tipping point at which the phenomenon will occur because it is influenced by many factors.. However, drivers have the opportunity to limit the likelihood of slippage on wet surface if they adapt speed to more difficult driving conditions and ensure high quality tyres – with correct pressure and proper tread.
„The faster the car goes on wet road, the surface of the tyre hits the water with more force. This effect increases the hydrostatic pressure of the water as it is unable to dissipate sideways quickly enough. If this pressure exceeds the value with which the vehicle presses on the road, the water will start pushing the car away from the surface. Car starts to float on the water – this way aquaplaning occurs. It can cause that instead of traveling the road without problems, we may drive out of the path or hit another vehicle. The consequences can be tragic. To reduce the risk of uncontrolled slippage, keep in mind a few things – especially no rushing! It is also important to choose the right tyre. Correctly profiled tyres fitted with a deep tread significantly better drain water from under the wheel. Equally important is the pressure in the tyre – if it is too low the chance of occurrence of the aquaplaning increases” – says Piotr Sarnecki, General Director of the Polish Tyre Industry Association.
Conditions for safe driving under difficult weather conditions:
„Safety is the priority on the road. Modern cars are equipped with ever better protection, but even the most advanced ones will do little to help if the vehicle is deprived of the basic driving condition – the grip that tyres provide. Therefore, in the rain and on the road where the puddles are, it is worth to slow down and keep the distance from vehicles – the braking distance under such conditions is notably greater” – adds Piotr Sarnecki.
[1] KLĘSKI ŻYWIOŁOWE A BEZPIECZEŃSTWO WEWNĘTRZNE KRAJU, IMGW Warsaw 2012
[2] „Stan bezpieczeństwa ruchu drogowego oraz działania realizowane w tym zakresie w 2016 r.” report, Krajowa Rada Bezpieczeństwa Ruchu Drogowego
Source: Polish Tyre Industry Association