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Getting An Edge On Wet Roads
By News Canada
(NC) — There's probably no
worse feeling. You're driving on a wet stretch of road and all of a sudden it
feels as though your vehicle has a mind of its own. Of course, your vehicle
isn't possessed; it has "caught a wave." You're hydroplaning – your
tyres are no
longer in direct contact with the road as they are riding on top of the water
that has pooled on the road.
Hydroplaning can occur when a combination of speed, tyre wear, tyre inflation or
the depth of water on the pavement causes the tyres to lose traction.
Essentially, a layer of water creates a barrier between the road and your tyres.
This barrier can cause you to lose traction and glide or hydroplane across the
water's surface.
In wet weather, the tyres that
have been properly maintained and are in good running condition can cut through
the water and maintain contact with the pavement at speeds less than 50 km/h. In
cases where the tyres are excessively worn (bald tyres) or underinflated, or the
water is very deep, you may still hydroplane at slower speeds.
At higher speeds (70 km/h and
higher), the wedge of water in front of the tyres may pass under the tyres and
the tyres will ride on a cushion of water – resulting in a possible complete
loss of traction.
Tyre manufacturers are
continually working to produce tyres that give you an edge in wet conditions.
HydroEdge™, Michelin's latest ultra-premium (mass-market) tyre offers superior
performance on dry or wet surfaces as well as exceptional hydroplaning
resistance.
"The all-season tyre HydroEdge
features dual center grooves that are not exposed to the sipes or other water
execution mechanisms," explains Tony Mougios, Michelin Brand Manager for Canada.
"This means that these tyres can evacuate water very quickly. Specially angled
HydroChutes also reduce the water flow turbulence for excellent overall wet
weather performance."
Along with purchasing tyres
that offer hydroplaning resistance like HydroEdge, Michelin offers the following
tips for preventing and/or dealing with hydroplaning.
To prevent hydroplaning: Check
your tyres and tyre inflation regularly. Reduce your speed even more when
approaching still water and puddles. Drive in the tracks of preceding vehicles.
Should your vehicle hydroplane:
Shift to neutral (on a standard transmission, depress the clutch). Activate the
hazard lights. Grip the steering wheel firmly and steer where you want to go.
Avoid braking or accelerating. Check your rear view mirror.
- News Canada
About the Author
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