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Hydroplaning / Aquaplaning
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Hydroplaning (sometimes aquaplaning) in a road vehicle is an effect similar to planing in a boat. A layer of water between the rubber tyres of a road vehicle and the road surface (or between airplane wheels and the runway) reduces the friction with the tyres. This causes the vehicle to act like an unpowered and unsteered sled.
Hydroplaning can occur when a combination of speed, tyre wear, tyre inflation or the depth of water on the pavement causes the tyres to lose traction. Essentially, a layer of water creates a barrier between the road and your tyres. This barrier can cause you to lose traction and glide or hydroplane across the water's surface.
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In wet weather, the tyres that have been properly maintained and are in good running condition can cut through the water and maintain contact with the road at speeds less than 50 km/h. In cases where the tyres are excessively worn (bald tyres) or underinflated, or the water is very deep, you may still hydroplane at slower speeds.
At higher speeds (50 mph and higher), the wedge of water in front of the tyres may pass under the tyres and the tyres will ride on a cushion of water resulting in possible complete loss of traction.
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