{"id":17404,"date":"2025-09-04T11:45:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-04T09:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.febi.com\/?p=17404"},"modified":"2025-08-18T16:22:54","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T14:22:54","slug":"danger-in-the-rain-understanding-and-avoiding-aquaplaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.febi.com\/en\/danger-in-the-rain-understanding-and-avoiding-aquaplaning\/","title":{"rendered":"Danger in the rain: Understanding and avoiding aquaplaning"},"content":{"rendered":"

Autumn brings not only colourful leaves, but also long periods of rain and slippery roads. Suddenly, the tyres lose grip, the steering wheel feels unusually light and the car no longer responds. Aquaplaning can occur within seconds and take every driver by surprise.<\/p>\n

Aquaplaning \u2013 also known as hydroplaning \u2013 occurs when heavy rainfall prevents water from draining properly from the road surface. Normally, the tyres displace the water and thus ensure contact with the road. However, if the amount of water is too great, it pushes itself like a wedge between the road surface and the car tyres.<\/a> The vehicle loses contact with the ground, and steering and braking commands are no longer transmitted. Control is lost, the brakes fail and, in the worst case, the vehicle skids.<\/p>\n

Causes of aquaplaning<\/u><\/h4>\n

Several factors influence the development of aquaplaning:<\/p>\n

Speed: <\/b>High speeds increase the risk because more water has to be displaced in a shorter time. From around 80 km\/h, the risk increases significantly<\/a>, but aquaplaning can also occur at lower speeds. Therefore, speed and driving style should always be adapted to the weather conditions and sufficient distance should be kept from the vehicle in front.<\/p>\n

Vehicle and tyre characteristics: The tread depth of the tyres plays a decisive role. The grooves drain water and thus enable contact with the road surface. The more tread there is, the lower the risk of aquaplaning. Tyre pressure should also be checked regularly, as both too high and too low air pressure can promote aquaplaning. Defective shock absorbers further reduce road holding and make it more difficult to control the vehicle.<\/p>\n

Road conditions: <\/b>In principle, aquaplaning can occur on all roads. However, motorways and (multi-lane) federal highways, where vehicles travel at higher speeds, are particularly at risk. Rainwater often cannot drain properly in dips, underpasses and ruts, so extra caution is required here. Manhole covers and road markings become slippery when wet and require the full attention of motorcyclists in particular. As a general rule, the rougher the road surface, the lower the risk.<\/a><\/p>\n

Correct behaviour in aquaplaning<\/u><\/h4>\n

If aquaplaning occurs despite all precautions, the following behaviour is crucial:<\/p>\n