Aquaplaning: what it is and how to stay safe on wet roads in Malaysia

Malaysians aren’t strangers to the act of driving in heavy rain, however the weather conditions can make the road really slippery and if you aren’t careful, the vehicle might lose control from aquaplaning. 

In this article, we’ll give you an in depth guide on everything you need to know about aquaplaning, from understanding how it’s caused to how to react to it when it occurs.

What is Aquaplaning?

Aquaplaning, or hydroplaning, occurs when a layer of water builds up between your vehicle’s tires and the road surface. This happens when the tires are unable to channel water away quickly enough, causing the tires to lose contact with the road. As a result, the vehicle may skid or slide uncontrollably, increasing the risk of an accident.

In Malaysia, where rain is frequent and often heavy, it’s important to know how to recognize and avoid aquaplaning. It’s especially dangerous when driving at high speeds or on poorly drained roads, where standing water is more likely to accumulate.

How Aquaplaning Happens

Aquaplaning occurs when the following conditions are met:

1. Heavy Rainfall: 
   When the rain comes down heavily, it can create puddles or a thin film of water on the 
   road surface. If the road is not properly drained, the water remains on the road instead 
   of being absorbed or flowing off.

2. Vehicle Speed: 
   Driving too fast in wet conditions is one of the primary causes of aquaplaning. The 
   faster you drive, the harder it is for your tires to displace the water, leading to a layer 
   of water forming beneath your tires.

3. Tire Condition: 
   Worn-out or under-inflated tires are much more likely to aquaplane. Tires with shallow 
   tread grooves cannot channel water effectively, increasing the risk of hydroplaning.

4. Still Water:
   Roads that have visible pools of water or areas where water accumulates (sides of the
   road or lower banking) are more prone to causing aquaplaning.

5. Smooth Surfaces: 
   Roads that are smooth and have little texture (like highways or tarmac) provide less 
   grip and can increase the likelihood of aquaplaning.
   
   

How Do I Know if I'm Aquaplaning?

Recognizing the signs of aquaplaning early can help you take the right actions to regain control of your vehicle. Since aquaplaning happens so quickly, it’s important to stay alert to any of the following symptoms while driving on wet roads:

1. Loss of Steering Control:
   One of the most obvious signs of aquaplaning is when your steering feels "light" or 
   unresponsive. If you try to steer, but the vehicle doesn’t seem to react as expected, it's
   a strong indication that your tires are no longer in full contact with the road due to the
   buildup of water.

2. Unusual Skidding or Sliding:
   If your car starts to slide or drift without you touching the steering wheel, it’s a sign that 
   the tires are riding on a layer of water instead of gripping the road. This can feel like
   your car is "floating" or moving in a different direction than where you are steering it.

3. Sudden Loss of Braking Power:
   When you’re aquaplaning, you might notice that your brakes feel "soft" or unresponsive.
   Since the tires are not in contact with the road, they can't grip effectively, meaning the
   braking force is significantly reduced. If you find that your brakes aren’t working as they 
   should, this could be a sign that you're hydroplaning.

4. A Sudden Increase in Engine Noise
   When aquaplaning occurs, you may also hear an unusual sound, like a sudden increase
   in engine noise or tire noise. This happens because the tires are no longer in contact
   with the road surface, so the engine or tires are working harder to compensate for the 
   lack of grip.

5. The Vehicle Pulls in One Direction
   If your vehicle begins to pull or veer to one side despite you not turning the steering 
   wheel, it could be because one tire is aquaplaning more than the others. This uneven 
   traction can cause the car to drift, making it harder to keep the vehicle on track.

What to Do if You Are Aquaplaning

If you experience any of these symptoms and suspect that you are aquaplaning, here’s what you should do immediately to regain control:

• Stay Calm: 
  Do not panic. Aquaplaning can be frightening, but staying calm will help you make the
  right decisions.

• Ease Off the Gas Pedal: 
  Gradually reduce your speed by slowly easing off the accelerator. Don’t slam on the 
  brakes, pull the handbrake or make sudden movements.

• Steer Gently:
  Once you’ve eased off of the accelerator, gently steer towards the slide until traction is 
  regained. Avoid jerky movements to prevent further loss of control.

• Wait for Traction to Return: 
  As you slow down, the tires should start to regain traction with the road. Once they do,
  you can resume normal driving, but remember to stay at a lower speed until the road 
  conditions improve.

How to Avoid Aquaplaning

While aquaplaning is dangerous, the good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce the risk:

1. Slow Down: 
   This is the most important tip as aquaplaning occurs more at high speeds. When it 
   rains, lower your speed to give your tires more time to disperse water. The faster you 
   drive, the more difficult it is for the tires to maintain traction.

2. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure: 
   Under-inflated tires have less contact with the road and are more susceptible to 
   aquaplaning. Regularly check your tire pressure and ensure that your tires are properly
   inflated according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

3. Replace Worn Tires: 
   Tires with worn-out tread are more prone to aquaplaning because they can't channel 
   water effectively. If the tread on your tires is low, it’s time to replace them.

4. Avoid Still Water:
   Try to avoid driving through puddles or areas of standing water, as these are the most 
   likely places for aquaplaning to occur. If you must drive through a puddle, slow down
   and proceed carefully.

5. Keep a Safe Distance: 
   Increase the following distance between you and the car in front of you. This gives you
   more time to react in case the vehicle ahead suddenly slows down or skids.

6. Drive in the Tracks of Other Vehicles:
   If you’re on a highway with a lot of vehicles, try to drive in the tire tracks left by other 
   vehicles. These areas have less water accumulation from the tires, reducing the 
   chances of aquaplaning.
   
   

How the Motorist App Can Help You Stay Safe on Wet Roads

While driving in rainy conditions requires caution, keeping your vehicle in top shape can significantly reduce the risks associated with aquaplaning. Here’s how the Motorist App can help you stay on top of your vehicle’s maintenance and safety:

1. Car Valuation : Unsure about how much a used car is worth? The Motorist app includes a free car valuation tool. This feature helps you assess the market value of any used family car, ensuring you don’t overpay. It’s a great way to compare prices and ensure you're getting the best deal.

2. Traffic Cameras: Showing live feed of traffic on specific highways, allowing you to plan ahead if driving conditions seem rainy.

3. mWitness: In the event of a car accident, submit video evidence to help victims appeal for witnesses of their crash. You can also apply as a victim to request evidence of your car accident as well.

Stay Safe on the Road with the Motorist App

Aquaplaning is a real hazard, especially in Malaysia’s heavy rainfall. However, by understanding how it happens and following the right precautions, you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Whether it’s maintaining your tires or staying informed about weather conditions, the Motorist App offers all the tools you need to drive safely, even in the heaviest of rains.

Download the Motorist App today and keep your vehicle in peak condition to avoid aquaplaning and other road hazards. Your safety is just a tap away!

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Download the Motorist App now. Designed by drivers for drivers, this all-in-one app lets you receive the latest traffic updates, gives you access to live traffic cameras, and helps you manage vehicle related matters.