Aquaplaning is one of the most dangerous situations on the road that can happen to every driver. The ability to avoid an unpleasant situation directly depends on the person's awareness of it. Thanks to this article, you can learn about what a water wedge is and how to avoid it.
What is a water wedge on the road
A water wedge is the occurrence of a water film between a wheel and a road. During this situation, at speeds above 40-60 km / h, the car becomes virtually uncontrollable. Tire adhesion to the coating surface disappears, water separates them from each other. Imagine a situation in which you went on ice on summer tires. Here are some such sensations appear during a water wedge.
In what conditions can a water wedge be “caught”? Most often this happens when driving through large puddles on freeways. Seeing the spill, the driver does not slow down and, with all his might, finds himself in an uncontrolled car for several seconds. Water wedge formation can also occur on rutted roads. During rain, water immediately accumulates on them, which is the reason for the drift.
Why is he dangerous
Aquaplaning on the road is much more dangerous than riding in the snow or even ice. Winter tires are designed for poor grip, but wheels designed to ride on water have not yet been invented. What is the insidious water wedge?
- Increased stopping distance. When a film appears between the road and the wheel, braking performance is reduced by about three times.
- Loss of control. The most dangerous situation. At high speeds, avoiding a water wedge is almost impossible. Having “caught” this unstable position, you will not confuse it with anything. The car as if begins to soar above the ground, stops responding to steering. If you are in this situation, you can only hope that the car will not go into a skid. Worst of all, when a water wedge only fires on one or two wheels, then skidding cannot be avoided.
- It is impossible to predict aquaplaning in advance , since it depends on too many nuances: quality of asphalt, tires, speed.
How is a water wedge formed?
Oddly enough, but a water wedge most often forms on new road surfaces with perfect asphalt. On the old road, the moisture that has fallen quickly leaves through bumps and cracks. A brand new road surface becomes a film that retains moisture on the surface. Passing such sections at high speed, cars often can not cope with the load and get into an accident. Modern narrow-wheel cars with rain tires may not even feel anything at high speed, since the area of contact with the water will be small and short-lived. But models with wide wheels and old tires can go skidding at 40 km / h. In order to avoid unpleasant situations, you need to take care of the right tires in advance and check them regularly. Prevention is the best way to deal with aquaplaning.
Water wedge: what to do in such a situation?
You can avoid hydroplaning by carefully monitoring the condition of the tires. They are the main help in safe driving through puddles. Special grooves and grooves help to avoid the "flight" of the wheel, removing water in time. Do not forget that the wheels have an expiration date, and the tires wear out with each trip. For wheels that have served half their life, the risk of aquaplaning is increased by 70%. What else can be done to prevent dangerous situations on the road?
Keep track of the condition of the road. During or immediately after rain on the road you need to be especially careful. At first glance, it may seem that the road is only slightly wet. But in fact, it will be the very thin film that will lead the car to the side. Drive on wet surfaces is also not worth it. It is not for nothing that during precipitation, speed limits are posted on all highways, usually no more than 90 km / h. And if you have old tires, then it’s definitely not worth accelerating above 60-70 km.
If you see ahead a puddle, which is not possible to go round, try to slow down and keep the steering wheel straight. The wheels of the car are the most stable in a flat position. When you try to turn off after the start of hydroplaning, your car will behave in an unpredictable way.
In case of loss of adhesion in the water wedge, never apply the brake. Remember that braking is good during traction, but it is simply not there during hydroplaning. The most effective engine braking. Release the gas pedal and keep the steering wheel straight - and in this way you will get out of hydroplaning with the least losses.
Tips from experienced drivers
In the off-season, in spring and autumn, roads are especially dangerous. Tips from experienced drivers will help you avoid troubles and a water wedge:
- If you see that the road is wet, do not overtake everything that moves, observe the speed limit. The old adage, “Slow down, you will continue,” is still relevant here.
- If you see a rut of water or a puddle in front, slow down by removing your foot from the gas pedal.
- Keep a distance - not only your car can go into a skid, but also the one that goes in front. Keeping the optimal distance will protect you and other participants in the movement.
- Keep both hands on the steering wheel in the correct position. During aquaplaning, the car becomes uncontrollable, and you will most likely need both palms to stabilize the movement.
Observing these simple and obvious rules, you can maintain control over the situation on the road.
Errors of novice drivers
Often, inexperienced beginners do not know what to do when a water wedge occurs. Calmness and confidence determine the correct behavior on the road. The biggest mistake is to start to panic and try to turn the steering wheel and brake during aquaplaning. This will not only not correct the situation, on the contrary, worsen it by endangering other road users who follow you.
According to the SDA, a water wedge needs to be prevented, but if this fails, take the steps outlined above. A clear knowledge of possible solutions to the problem will help you stay calm during unforeseen situations.
Which tires to choose to avoid hydroplaning
When choosing the "right" tires, you need to be guided not by beauty or price, but by their functionality. As a rule, on such wheels you can find symbols in the form of a drop or the inscription Aqua, Water or Rain. They are distinguished by deep grooves for water drainage and a special tread pattern. Such tires do not protect 100% from aquaplaning, but still provide the opportunity to drive through puddles at a higher speed. Tires of this type can be found at all well-known manufacturers:
- Michelin (Pilot Exalto tires);
- Pirelli (model P7);
- Continental (tires ContiPremiumContact 2);
- Good Year (Hydra Grip wheels).