Hydroplaning — Delaware Permit Test

Delaware's manual says that when the road is wet, most tires have good traction up to about 35 mph.

Above that speed the tires begin to ride up on the water, so a driver at highway speed is already losing grip.

When it is raining or the road is wet, most tires have good traction up to about 35 mph.

Delaware's manual says that in a heavy rain your tires can lose all traction with the road at about 50 mph; bald or worn tires lose it sooner.

Riding on a film of water, the tires cannot steer or brake, so the car keeps going where it was pointed.

In a heavy rain, your tires can lose all traction with the road at about 50 mph.

Delaware's manual says the best way to keep from hydroplaning is to slow down in the rain or when the road is wet.

Tires ride up on water as speed rises, so the only sure way to keep them on the road is less speed.

The best way to keep from hydroplaning is to slow down in the rain or when the road is wet.

If your tires feel like they have lost traction, Delaware's manual says to ease your foot off the gas pedal.

More gas spins tires that are already floating, and the car stays on the water longer.

Ease your foot off the gas pedal.

When your tires have lost traction, Delaware's manual says to keep the steering wheel straight and not try to stop or turn until the tires grip the road again.

A sharp turn or hard brake while floating on water throws the car into a skid the moment the tires touch down.

Do not try to stop or turn until your tires are gripping the road again.

When the road is wet, up to about what speed do most tires keep good traction?

35 mph. Above that speed the tires begin to ride up on the water, so a driver at highway speed is already losing grip. Delaware Driver Manual, p.124: “When it is raining or the road is wet, most tires have good traction up to about 35 mph.”