Hydroplaning — Maine Permit Test

Hydroplaning is when the tires, going too fast to wipe the water away, ride up on a film of water like water skis.

A car riding on water cannot steer or brake, so a gust of wind can push it into a skid.

As you go faster, your tires cannot wipe the road as well. They start to ride up on a film of water, like water skis.

Balding tires lose contact with a wet road at much lower speeds than good tires.

Worn tread cannot push water aside, so the car can float at a speed that feels safe.

In heavy rain, the tires can lose all contact with the road at high speeds. Balding tires lose contact at much lower speeds.

The best way to keep from hydroplaning is to keep your tires in good condition and keep your speed down when the road is wet.

Good tread and a lower speed both let the tires stay down on the pavement.

The best way to keep from hydroplaning is to be sure that your tires are in good condition and that you keep your speed down when the road is wet.

What is hydroplaning?

Tires riding up on a film of water. A car riding on water cannot steer or brake, so a gust of wind can push it into a skid. Maine Driver’s License Manual, p.81: “As you go faster, your tires cannot wipe the road as well. They start to ride up on a film of water, like water skis.”