{"id":8288,"date":"2025-03-19T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-03-19T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/volvo-baar.ch\/en\/?p=8288"},"modified":"2025-03-19T05:11:02","modified_gmt":"2025-03-19T04:11:02","slug":"avoid-aquaplaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/volvo-baar.ch\/en\/avoid-aquaplaning\/","title":{"rendered":"Avoid aquaplaning: How to drive safely in the rain"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Longer braking distances, poor visibility and the possibility of aquaplaning plague drivers in (heavy) rain. Aquaplaning is a real source of uncertainty or even fear for many drivers. However, aquaplaning is rarely the cause of an accident<\/strong>: only in 0.01 per cent of cases is there a risk of total aquaplaning when driving in the rain. In this article, we explain when aquaplaning can occur, when it is actually a risk and how you can prevent it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is aquaplaning?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Aquaplaning occurs when a layer of water forms between the car tyre and the road<\/strong>. This prevents grip on the road surface and causes a loss of control over the vehicle – if all tyres are affected at the same time. You then completely lose grip on the road surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, a complete loss of control occurs very rarely and only affects one per cent of road traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How does aquaplaning occur?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Conditions for aquaplaning are primarily poor road conditions and standing water<\/strong>. Busy roads often have deep ruts that can turn into real water channels in heavy rain. You should avoid these areas when the road is wet, as even a thin layer of water can be dangerous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How fast you drive is also crucial. Tyres are designed in such a way that they can push water to the side. But above a certain speed and a certain mass of water, they can no longer do this. The water then pushes itself between the tyres and the road like a wedge, and the car virtually \u2018floats\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warning signals: How to recognise aquaplaning at an early stage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before we give you tips on how to successfully avoid aquaplaning, we will show you how to correctly assess the situation beforehand. Keep an eye not only on the road, but also on other road users<\/strong>. Pay attention to the spray and water on the wheels<\/a> of other cars. Without acoustic signals, it is difficult to recognise aquaplaning at an early stage. This is because it is often signalled by loud noises<\/strong>. Avoid listening to loud music or podcasts in heavy rain and pay attention to changes in engine speed and the sound of water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another sign of possible aquaplaning is weaker forces on the steering wheel. If you notice less resistance, this could be a sign that your vehicle is about to lose control. If you are driving a rear-wheel drive vehicle, it is difficult to detect the front wheels floating. In front-wheel drive cars that do not have an electronic stability programme (ESP)<\/a>, pay attention to the speed. Once the speed of flotation is reached, the engine speed will fluctuate<\/strong>. On vehicles with ESP, keep an eye on the reactions of the car and the indicator lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to successfully avoid aquaplaning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the worst case, it may be too late to react. Here’s what you can do to prevent aquaplaning in the first place:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before setting off<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n