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I have a very simple theory about hydroplaning: that (1) way too many drivers go too fast in very wet conditions (2) that once they start hydroplaning they don't know what to do (i.e don't hit the brakes or steer the wheel) and (3) they don't blame themselves, they just chalk it up to chance and conditions that they wrecked their car. My theory is that hydroplaning is due to irresponsible, ignorant, or inattentive driving, and that if people showed some responsibility and maturity by SLOWING DOWN, it wouldn't happen as much.
I've never hydroplaned, ever. To tell the truth the only time I ever lost control of a car for a second was in heavy snow (and I quickly regained it.)
Basically, the rule of thumb I've heard from various places is that in wet conditions (say 1-2 or more inches of rain) any speed 60 mph or above can cause the car to hydroplane (of course factoring in tires, weight of car, handling characteristics, etc.) Someone please correct me if you have more or conflicting information. That means a normal driving speed of say 70 mph might be unsafe in wet conditions, again depending on amount of water on the road, tires and vehicle.
That means that driving on city streets at city speeds (i.e. 45 mph and below) any car with a decent set of tires should be safe (ESPECIALLY HEAVY *** F-BODIES) So why do I hear about people hydroplaning? I see it on here occasionally: "I totalled my car: I hydroplaned and ran into a tree." My question to you is, how fast were you going? How were you driving? Maybe you should slow down? I've been driving my Camaro for almost 5 years and I've driven it in almost every imaginable condition, and I've never managed to come CLOSE to losing control to that degree. Granted, if you use too much gas they're very easy to lose control of, but anyone who is used to driving them should know that. Sure, you want to drive on the highway sometimes because it's quicker, and it's scary going 45 with dumbasses in pickups blowing by you at 75, but why risk it if the rain is that heavy?
BTW, for the record I feel bad for anyone who has totalled or wrecked their car when in normal conditions they wouldn't have, but I think if people would know to slow down and know what to do to regain control it might save some people from a lot of pain.
Anyone disagree? I'm posting this to get other informed input, and possibly to correct any misinformation I may have, but I think my basic theory is sound: slowing down would cause much less hydroplaning (and wrecks in general I suppose.)
I've never hydroplaned, ever. To tell the truth the only time I ever lost control of a car for a second was in heavy snow (and I quickly regained it.)
Basically, the rule of thumb I've heard from various places is that in wet conditions (say 1-2 or more inches of rain) any speed 60 mph or above can cause the car to hydroplane (of course factoring in tires, weight of car, handling characteristics, etc.) Someone please correct me if you have more or conflicting information. That means a normal driving speed of say 70 mph might be unsafe in wet conditions, again depending on amount of water on the road, tires and vehicle.
That means that driving on city streets at city speeds (i.e. 45 mph and below) any car with a decent set of tires should be safe (ESPECIALLY HEAVY *** F-BODIES) So why do I hear about people hydroplaning? I see it on here occasionally: "I totalled my car: I hydroplaned and ran into a tree." My question to you is, how fast were you going? How were you driving? Maybe you should slow down? I've been driving my Camaro for almost 5 years and I've driven it in almost every imaginable condition, and I've never managed to come CLOSE to losing control to that degree. Granted, if you use too much gas they're very easy to lose control of, but anyone who is used to driving them should know that. Sure, you want to drive on the highway sometimes because it's quicker, and it's scary going 45 with dumbasses in pickups blowing by you at 75, but why risk it if the rain is that heavy?
BTW, for the record I feel bad for anyone who has totalled or wrecked their car when in normal conditions they wouldn't have, but I think if people would know to slow down and know what to do to regain control it might save some people from a lot of pain.
Anyone disagree? I'm posting this to get other informed input, and possibly to correct any misinformation I may have, but I think my basic theory is sound: slowing down would cause much less hydroplaning (and wrecks in general I suppose.)
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