Suddenly in the spin cycle

Aquaplaning can affect anyone - regardless of driving experience, vehicle type or drive system. Just a few millimetres of water on the road are enough for tires to lose contact with the road surface. The loss of control almost always comes abruptly, without warning and without time to think. Anyone driving in heavy rain should expect aquaplaning - and know how to react correctly.

How aquaplaning occurs

When a film of water forms on the road that the tires can no longer displace, they lose traction. This is usually caused by too much water, insufficient tire tread or excessive speed. The vehicle then "floats" - it cannot be steered or braked.

Recognize warning signals in good time

The risk increases significantly in heavy rain. If you drive carefully, you will notice the signs:
- Spray or water fountains from vehicles in front
- Unusually loud noise of water in the wheel arch or under the vehicle
- Suddenly smooth-running steering wheel without the direction of travel changing
- Rising engine speed although the car is not accelerating

These indications mean The tires are at their performance limit.

React correctly

If the car floats, it's all about calmness and feeling:

- Take your foot off the accelerator immediately but gently
- With manual transmission: depress the clutch, with automatic transmission to "N"
- Do not steer or brake - otherwise there is a risk of skidding
- Keep the steering wheel straight and allow the vehicle to coast until the tires grip again

Only brake or steer when you feel contact with the road again - but then very gently, as the vehicle does not always coast in the desired direction.

Prevent aquaplaning

Regular tire care is the best protection. Sufficient tread and the correct air pressure are crucial for displacing water. The statutory minimum tread depth of 1.6 millimetres is not enough - anything less than four millimetres significantly increases the risk.

The following also applies in wet conditions:

- Reduce speed
- Increase the distance
- Avoid ruts and deep water surfaces
- Turn down music, podcasts or the radio to hear driving and water noises
(aum)