Vehicle knowledge and manoeuvring
Aquaplaning
This chapter helps you understand the key principles of aquaplaning.
What is aquaplaning?
Aquaplaning happens when a tyre cannot move water away quickly enough and loses firm contact with the road. Steering and braking may then become much less effective. Deep water and higher speed increase the risk.
Water may collect in wheel tracks even when the rest of the road looks less wet. Look well ahead and reduce speed before reaching a flooded section.
Speed and tyre condition matter
Tyre tread helps channel water away. Worn tyres leave less safety margin on a wet road. Check tyre condition and pressure regularly; meeting the legal minimum tread depth does not guarantee good wet-road grip.
Extra-wide tyres are not automatically safer in standing water. In practice, choose a speed that suits the conditions and leave more distance, so you do not need sudden manoeuvres.
If you lose grip
Hold the steering wheel steady. Avoid sharp steering or hard braking while the car is sliding on water. Ease off the accelerator and let the car slow until the tyres regain contact with the road.
Once grip returns, continue more slowly and with a larger gap. A bend or deep wheel track may require you to slow down well in advance.