Auto service to avoid hydroplaning

Have you ever hydroplaned before? 

This scary situation occurs when your car's tires lose their grip on the road when you're driving in the rain and subsequently, your Clermont Toyota slides out of control on the wet surface. It can be dangerous and nerve-wracking, and that's why our Toyota of Clermont service experts are here with tips on how to care for your car so you can avoid it. 

Toyota of Clermont explains hydroplaning

First, let's talk more in-depth about what hydroplaning actually is. When you're driving in the rain, it's your tires' responsibility to move water out of the way so they can have traction to grip the road. However, if it's raining hard or you're moving at a faster speed, sometimes the water on the road can actually cause your front tires to lift up a little, coming off the ground. When this occurs a thin layer of water forms between your tires and the road, and this is the point where your Clermont Toyota will start to slide out of control. 

So how can you avoid hydroplaning when you're driving in the rain? You can certainly adjust your driving habits, but it's also imperative to keep your car in the right shape to tackle wet weather. Here are our top Clermont Toyota service tips on the matter: 

1. Service your car tires. Make sure you have them inspected regularly - you'll want our techs to check not only the general condition but also the inflation level and tread depth. The tread depth is particularly important in avoiding hydroplaning - the less tread you have, the less traction you have to begin with. 

2. Stay on top of brake care. You need to be able to use your brakes if you find yourself hydroplaning and you want them to be as responsive as possible. 

3. Change your wiper blades as needed. You need a clear field of vision to be able to safely navigate wet roads, so make sure your wiper blades are in good shape and change them as necessary for the best performance. 

What to do if you hydroplane while driving in the rain

And if you do find yourself in a hydroplaning situation, here's what you can do to get out of it: 

1. Don't slam on the brakes, although that will be your first (and natural) reaction. Instead, take your foot off of the gas pedal. 

2. Next, try gently pushing the brakes if you have an anti-lock brake system. If you don't, then you should pump the brakes carefully so they don't lock up but can start to slow your Clermont Toyota. 

3. Steer in the direction that you're sliding. If your back wheels are sliding left, steer left - this will prevent overcorrection and an even worse skid. 

Have questions or need to schedule Toyota service for your car? Call Toyota of Clermont today and let our techs get you ready for the road. We're open seven days a week at (352) 404-7001 and we're conveniently located just off the Florida Turnpike at 16851 State Road 50.