Hydroplaning (road vehicle)

From ArticleWorld

Hydroplaning road vehicle is a term used to describe the loss of traction that occurs when a layer of water lifts one or more of a vehicles tires from the road surface. This can reduce, and in some cases completely eliminate, friction between the tire and the road surface causing the driver to have no control over the vehicle.

How it happens

The driver, through various means, manipulates control of a vehicle. The driver uses the accelerator to control the engine, which provides power to the wheels in order to control the speed of the vehicle. The wheels in turn, provide braking and steering to the driver through friction between the tire and the road surface. The treads on tires are designed to remove excess water from under the wheels, allowing the tire to maintain friction with the road surface. In most cases of hydroplaning, the water on the road is more than tire tread can displace, this creates water pressure in front of the wheel and causes the wheel to rise up on a sheet of water and lose friction with the road surface. Once this happens, the driver has no control to manipulate the vehicles speed, steering or braking. The higher the speed of the vehicle the more likely it is to hydroplane.

Shallow water hydroplaning

Most hydroplaning occurs when there are large volumes of water on the road surface. However, small amounts of water can cause hydroplaning also. Bulk friction is the mechanism used by tires to maintain friction with the raid surface. This is accomplished by the rubber on the tires pushing down into the minute pits and irregularities in the road. When the road becomes lightly wet, water can fill these tiny pits without flowing over. When the tire passes over the road surface it seals the water in these pits preventing the tread from displacing it. This forms a barrier of water between the tire and the road surface causing the vehicle to hydroplane.