Knowing the Causes of Aquaplaning and Tips to Avoid It

YOGYAKARTA - What is aquaplaning and what is the cause of aquaplaning? As we know, driving a car in the rainy season, it turns out to have its own risks. Especially if you drive by breaking through puddles to floods on the highway. Of course it can cause fatal accidents.

Well, one of the risks that occurs in this situation is aquaplaning which can occur when the road conditions are wet or many puddles. These puddles can cause the car to lose good grip from the wheels and asphalt so that it results in loss of control.

However, the case of aquaplaning does not often occur but still needs to be watched so that a later accident can be avoided. Generally, accidents like this happen if all four car tires have lost grip while driving on the road.

Therefore, we must always be vigilant on the road when on the vehicle. Especially when the weather is bad and the roads are filled with water, it is better to reduce speed for safety.

Understanding Aquaplaning

As reported by Otomotif, aquaplaning on a car is a state where the tire loses its traction so that control over the vehicle is lost. This situation usually occurs when the vehicle crosses a flooded road surface, which can be caused by rain or flooding.

Aquaplaning is also not limited to high water puddles due to bad weather, but can also occur in small puddles.

In addition, aquaplaning can also be triggered by water from other vehicles that pass on the road. Many also call the aquaplaning phenomenon with the term hydroplaning.

Characteristics of a Car Experiencing Aquaplaning

To understand the characteristics of a car that experiences aquaplaning or not, there are several signs that can be identified:

First, the sound of the vehicle engine suddenly sounds louder than usual. This phenomenon is caused by the rapid puddle of water, causing an increase in temperature and producing a louder sound on the engine. Second, the change can be seen on the transmission clutch, although it does not shift gears, but the car seems to be speeding up. The car feels like it is being driven hard by adding the transmission gear. Third, the vehicle feels lighter, this is because the significant water pressure is able to cause the car to lift. The back of the car on the sides may also feel floating. This condition is usually known as fishtailing.Causes of Aquaplaning

Aquaplaning occurs due to the formation of a separating layer between the road surface and the vehicle tire. So there is a temporary loss of contact between the car tire and the road surface. This condition occurs when the tire crosses a partially flooded road, where there is a separating layer which is the main cause.

In general, tires always have contact with the road because there is weight on the vehicle. However, at the bottom of the vehicle there is a space that receives air flow when the vehicle moves forward. This air flow produces a lifting force, which is greater as the vehicle speed increases.

It is this lifting force that makes it difficult for a vehicle's tires to remain in contact with the road surface, creating a sensation of floating. Meanwhile, water has a viscosity that makes it slow to flow, so that some of the water remains trapped under the tire and forms a thin layer.

This thin layer causes the tire's sole to not touch the road surface directly, resulting in loss of traction. When this condition occurs, drivers often do not realize it quickly because the aquaplaning event occurs very quickly, even in just a fraction of a second, which risks causing loss of control over the vehicle.

Losing control of the vehicle, especially if at high speed can endanger the safety of the driver and passengers.

Tips to Avoid Aquaplaning

To avoid the risk of accidents that are detrimental to drivers and passengers, you can do several ways as follows:

Adjust the speed to the road conditions.

When it rains heavily, the visibility will certainly be reduced and the braking distance will be longer. Therefore, it is necessary to be wise to reduce vehicle speed. Adjusting speed in these conditions will effectively reduce the total risk of aquaplaning, where all four tires lose their grip.

Check tire pressure regularly.

It is advisable to check the tire pressure periodically within a certain period of time. Tire pressure in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations can reduce the risk of losing control of the vehicle, especially when passing wet roads.

A far-sighted view

By looking ahead with adequate distance, you can anticipate puddles along the edge of the road. This action can prevent aquaplaning by giving enough time to respond and avoid potentially watery areas.

Disable cruise control mode

If the cruise control mode is active, deactivate it to get manual control of the vehicle. This is important in situations that require a quick response to changing road conditions.

That's the review of aquaplaning and the causes of aquaplaning. Visit VOI.id for other interesting information.

Tag: tips otomotif kecelakaan kendaraan bermotor