Driving in the rainy season - how to avoid hydroplaning

As a Malaysian driver, you’ve probably faced sudden downpours that turn your vehicle more of a surfboard rather than a car.

While there are many things to be aware of while driving in heavy rainfall, one thing to give extra caution is the effect of hydroplaning, or aquaplaning. Hydroplaning is when water builds up between your tyres and the road when driving through heavy rain or standing water. This will cause your tyre to lose grip on the road and glide over the water instead. When this happens, it can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

How can you avoid hydroplaning?

The obvious answer is to postpone your drive until the downpour turns more into a drizzle, but if you are already in mid journey or waiting is not an option, please follow the tips below:

•    Drive slowly and be cautious in wet conditions
The faster you drive the less traction your tyres can maintain, especially during in wet conditions. Do not make sudden stops and movements to avoid skidding. 

•    Check your tyres
When planning to drive in wet conditions, ensure your tyres are properly inflated and check if tyre depth is close to the wear indicators. Over inflated or under inflated and uneven wear on tyres will have higher chances of hydroplaning.

•    Avoid puddles or standing water
Try to avoid any pool of water on the road. Try to drive in the tracks of the car in front of you, their tyres might clear any water on the road.

•    Do not overload your vehicle
Try to ensure the weight of the vehicle is evenly distributed. An unbalanced weight distribution might cause the vehicle to lose control easily.

What to do when you experience hydroplaning?
•    Stay calm, do not panic.
•    Ease off the accelerator and do not jam on the brakes.
•    Keep your steering right. The idea is to point the steering in the direction the car is travelling.
•    Wait until the car regains traction and weight settles down.

Other than the above, you can also ensure to purchase a car that is equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) to prevent your tyres from locking up during hard braking which causes skidding and EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) to distribute braking force between your wheels. TRC (Traction Control System) uses the same sensors as ABS and EBD to detect tyres losing traction and applies brakes to regain traction. These safety features in your car will help you in maintaining control of your vehicle during hydroplaning.

As heavy rainfall is predicted this month around Malaysia, it is important for you to ensure your car is safe to drive during this rainy season.

Explore our models and discover advance safety features designed to keep you in control even in the heaviest rain. Learn more here.