By Moses Akaigwe
Aquaplaning is what happens when you are driving on wet roads at high speed: A wedge of water can build up between the tyres and the road surface. The tyres lose road contact, and the result is that the vehicle is no longer responsive to steering.
This phenomenon is also known as hydroplaning.
Since this is the thick of the rainy season, motorists are advised to be more vigilant when driving their vehicles. Reason is that rainy conditions can limit the driver’s visibility, and if hydroplaning occurs, there could be an unpleasant consequence, like an accident.
This condition generally occurs during the rainy season due to the large number of standing water due to residual rainwater.
Therefore, one of the things to watch out for when driving in the rainy season is the danger of aquaplaning.
Not only does losing control of the vehicle occur due to weak traction, aquaplaning conditions also make it difficult for the driver to apply braking, thereby increasing the risk of an accident.
For this reason, MPM Rent, an Indonesian rental company which cares about safety, has warned that when forced to drive in the rain, drivers are advised to reduce speed to stay alert.
Causes of aquaplaning
A small pool of water on the road is not the only cause of aquaplaning. There are several factors that can cause a car to experience aquaplaning.
They include the following:
•Puddle
A number of roads in Nigeria have potholes that create puddles after heavy rains. Puddles with significant depth could risk causing the car to lose control due to decreased tire grip when passing through the wet and slippery roads.
•Worn-out car tyres
As an important component, car tyres need to be replaced when they are bare or worn out. This prevents accidents that arise due to less optimal function of car tiyes. Thin, bald, or worn car tyres can increase the risk of a car experiencing aquaplaning.
Every car tyre has a groove or pattern design that functions to break up puddles so the tyres can tread properly. However, if the tyres are bare, the risk of slipping is even higher.
•Light weight
In the case of a car, one of the factors causing aquaplaning is its lightweight of the car. This is because when a car travels at high speed over a puddle, the car is more at risk of being lifted. If you don’t act dexterously, the car will capsize and an accident will occur. Therefore, when it rains, avoid speeding for safety.
How to deal with aquaplaning
Don’t panic right away if you experience aquaplaning while driving because it actually increases the risk of danger. Here’s how to deal with aquaplaning conditions that you need to know:
• Hold the steering wheel straight
The important thing when aquaplaning occurs is to hold the steering wheel swiftly and straight. When aquaplaning occurs, it is difficult to control the situation, so you have to be on standby to control the vehicle through the streets with puddles.
• Apply smooth braking
Do not brake suddenly and too deeply. You need to brake slowly with a pumping motion when driving over slippery roads to avoid skidding. Such braking helps the car drive steadily on slippery roads because it can control the speed of the vehicle so that the car can be controlled properly.
• Gently lower the gas pedal
In addition to braking, you also need to gently press and lower the gas pedal. Limit the speed or speed of the car when passing through puddles, especially if your car is relatively light.
• Turn off cruise control mode
Many of today’s cars are supported by a cruise control feature that is able to maintain the car’s speed according to the desired speed. Through this feature, the car can go at a steady speed without having to press the gas pedal continuously.
However, if your car is equipped with this feature, it’s best to turn off the feature when driving a car in rainy conditions or on roads with puddles. This is because you need to control your own vehicle and adjust the speed of the vehicle according to the road conditions that will be passed.
• Make sure the wipers work properly
Driving in the rainy season requires special attention, one of which is car components that need extra care. One component that is no less important in the rainy season is the car wiper. Make sure this component works properly so you can see road conditions clearly.
Heavy rain can make the car glass covered with rainwater. Use car wipers and low gear when driving to prevent losing control when passing through slopes or winding roads.
Another component that needs attention is the car tyre. Check the condition of the tyres every time you go on a trip to prevent unwanted things, such as flat tyres, punctures, and aquaplaning.Make sure the condition of the car tyres are not bald or worn out so that grip is optimal so that they can prevent the car from slipping when passing through puddles.
Another important thing when driving in the rainy season is to control the steering wheel. Always focused, calm, and careful not to speed while on the road. If possible, you can stop the vehicle in the first 10 minutes when it rains.
It is that time of risk and danger to drive a vehicle because as the rain pours, the water mixes with dirt, oil and particles on the road and creates a slippery layer. Wait for about 10 minutes before continuing the journey because the heavy rain has cleared the roads until conditions are safer