aqua plane

Ah, the dreaded aqua plane, also known as hydroplaning—the moment your car decides to become a water ski champion without your consent. It happens when a layer of water builds up between your tyres and the road surface, causing a delightful loss of traction and control. Typically, it strikes at speeds above 80 km/h on wet roads, especially if your tyres are bald or underinflated.

To avoid this aquatic dance, ensure your tyres have a tread depth above 1.5 mm (legal minimum, but more is better), maintain proper air pressure, and reduce speed in wet conditions. If you find yourself suddenly floating, resist the urge to brake hard or swerve; instead, gently ease off the accelerator and steer straight until grip returns.

For more tips and tyre options to combat aqua planing, check out listings on Tradingpost or CarShowroom.