Protecting your car from hydroplaning (and what to do if it happens)

What is hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning (or aquaplaning) is when a vehicle loses traction on a wet road. A layer of water accumulates between the tires and the road surface, causing the tires to lose contact with the ground.

In wet weather, a tire’s tread is designed to channel water away from the contact patch — the portion of the tire that makes contact with the ground as the wheels turn. When the tires cannot disperse water at a sufficient rate, excess water is forced beneath them. The tires lose contact with the road and begin to ride on top of that excess water, causing the vehicle to skid or ‘float.’ The sudden loss of traction can make it difficult to steer, brake, or accelerate effectively — this is hydroplaning in a nutshell.

Hydroplaning can happen on any wet roadway. However, the first 10 minutes of rain are the most dangerous as conditions are especially slick.¹

Most hydroplaning events only last a few seconds, but some scenarios can be more dangerous than others, depending on the variables at play.

What causes hydroplaning?

The risk of hydroplaning is influenced by a combination of factors, including:

• Tire tread and inflation: Tires with deep grooves are best at channeling water away. Worn or bald tires—particularly those with tread depths below 2/32 inches— don’t evacuate water as effectively.² Simply put, better tread performance minimizes the risk of hydroplaning. Underinflated tires are prone to losing traction on wet roads, too.³
• Vehicle speed: Hydroplaning is most likely at moderate-to-high speeds, usually above 60 km/h.⁴ But it can happen at lower speeds, too, depending on the tire’s condition. The tires’ ability to clear water is limited by the time they spend in contact with the road. When those tires are rotating too quickly, it’s very difficult to expel all the water, and thus maintain tire-to-road contact. Most hydroplaning incidents result from drivers driving too fast for the road conditions.
• Vehicle weight: Compared to their lighter counterparts, heavier vehicles have more mass to keep them grounded, which can help them push through water more easily without losing much traction. While this can offer some advantages, they’re still at risk if other factors—like tire condition, speed, or road conditions—are unfavourable.
• Road conditions: Roads with poor drainage or lots of standing water make it easier for cars to hydroplane. Driving over wet snow, ice, or any surface where water collects can be just as dangerous — especially without the proper tires.

Seven tips to prevent hydroplaning

1. Slow down when roads are wet

Speed increases your chance of hydroplaning. Even new tires can struggle to wick away water at exceptionally high speeds. If your speed is reasonable for the conditions, it’s less likely you’ll get into a hydroplaning even where your vehicle loses traction.

2. Prepare your tires for the conditions

Keeping them properly inflated will help maximize traction. Most modern cars have tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) that signal when a tire is underinflated.⁵ Even so, the TPMS only warns when a tire is below a specific percentage of pressure. A tire can still be low on air even if it isn’t enough to trigger a warning, and so it’s best to check each tire’s pressure with a gauge at least once a month (including the spare tire, if you have one).⁶

If the tire tread is noticeably worn out, and you (hopefully) care about your safety, swap those tires out ASAP. Replacement becomes necessary when the tread depth reaches 2/32 inches or less. A quick way to measure this is the nickel test: insert a Canadian nickel into the tread with the Queen’s head facing down—if you can see the top of her crown, it’s a sign to replace your tires.⁷

Tires also have “wear bars,” which are small rubber bars that run perpendicular to the tread. They’re difficult to see on a new tire, but become easier to spot as the tread wears down. If they’re easily visible, it’s time for replacement.

3. Stay on top of maintenance

Aside from the tires, make sure your brakes are also in safe condition. Well-maintained brakes can help you stop safely, especially in adverse conditions. Clear visibility is also crucial for safety, so don’t forget to address any issues with your wiper blades or windshield.

4. Pay attention to other vehicles

Avoid tailgating and give yourself enough room to brake — stopping distances increase dramatically on slick roads. The two-second rule is acceptable during ideal road and weather conditions. In less-than-ideal conditions, consider increasing your following distance to four seconds or more.

If you see visible tracks of water left by the vehicles ahead, try to follow them, as it means some of the water has already been dispersed.

5. Avoid pools of water or ice

Steer clear of standing water on the road whenever possible. Puddles and waterlogged areas are prime spots for hydroplaning. Remember, you never know what’s lurking beneath the water — hitting a concealed pothole can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, not to mention damage your car. If you can’t avoid the water, reduce your speed to minimize the risk. Use your brakes to slow down before you get to the puddle; try to avoid using your brakes once you’re in it.

Be especially cautious around slush; the combination of snow and water can make the situation difficult, even for an experienced driver.

6. Turn off cruise control

Slick surfaces require controlled reactions. The tires will try to keep the set speed if cruise control is activated, which isn’t ideal when you’re driving on very low-traction surfaces. Instead of relying on reactionary braking to disengage cruise control (which can make hydroplaning even worse), turn it off as soon as it starts raining or snowing.

7. Wait for poor conditions to pass

If you’re uncomfortable driving in rain or snow, the safest option is to wait it out. You’ll save yourself from all the stress and won’t have to worry about someone else gliding into your car.

What to do if your vehicle hydroplanes

1. Don’t panic: Stay level-headed when things get scary behind the wheel. You’ll likely regain control of the car (or at least minimize the consequences) if you stay calm and make the right moves.
2. Don’t slam the brakes: Doing that can cause your tires to lock and lose control. In most cases, when you first feel your vehicle start to hydroplane, simply letting off the accelerator is all you need for your tires to almost immediately regain contact with the road and you’re back in control. All modern vehicles have anti-lock brakes (ABS). If you can’t just let off the accelerator (perhaps there’s a vehicle in front of you), press on the brake pedal gently but steadily and then keep your foot on it, all the way, if your vehicle continues to move. The pedal may vibrate and the vehicle will make groaning sounds, but don’t take your foot off it — that’s the ABS system working properly. And don’t pump the brakes; that’s what the anti-lock brakes are doing for you.
3. Hold the steering wheel firmly: The best way to deal with hydroplaning is to let off the accelerator while keeping the steering wheel straight. In most circumstances, you’ll almost immediately feel the tires gain traction again, and from there, you can continue driving. If you must change your direction, turn the wheel gradually; never make a sharp move with it. A vehicle is most likely to skid when it experiences an abrupt change in steering or braking, so this is what you want to avoid. All modern vehicles have electronic stability control (ESC), which can help keep it going straight during emergency maneuvers. That said, neither ESC nor ABS can override a vehicle’s physical limits.⁸

With all that in mind, an accident can still happen — even when you’ve taken all the right steps to prevent it. In these moments, car insurance can make a world of difference.

Insurance and other considerations

Hydroplaning can have different outcomes, depending on the circumstances.

In the best-case scenario, you regain control and escape without a scratch. In the worst-case scenario, you might end up crashing into another vehicle, potentially causing injuries.

This raises two key questions: Who is at fault in a hydroplaning accident? And what will insurance cover?

In most cases, the driver who hydroplanes and causes the crash will be at fault for any resulting damages. That includes single-vehicle accidents, too — you’d be considered at fault if you struck a guardrail, for instance.

Hydroplaning often results from negligence-related factors, like distracted driving, speeding, or poor vehicle and tire maintenance. You may be liable if your negligence causes harm to someone else or damages their property. On the upside, most hydroplaning events are avoidable if you stay alert, take proper precautions, and practice defensive driving.

If you do hit another object while hydroplaning (like a car or street pole), you would need collision coverage on your policy to reimburse you for damage to your vehicle. If you’re injured, accident benefits coverage can help with your medical expenses. If someone decides to sue you for injuring them or damaging their property, you’d need third-party liability coverage — fortunately, this is mandatory on all auto policies in Canada.

It is every driver’s duty, under common law, to exercise caution and reasonable care while driving. That means ensuring your vehicle is in a safe operating condition and adjusting your driving to the weather, traffic, or other circumstances. Safety features like ABS and ESC can help with that duty; they do not absolve you of it.

One last thing to note about your tires: if a police officer attends and discovers your tread was below the legally accepted limit, they could follow with penalties for each illegal tire. So, make sure to check your provincial legislation.

Commonly asked questions

Which vehicles are most likely to hydroplane?

The likelihood of hydroplaning differs from vehicle to vehicle. A car’s speed, weight, tires, and safety features can all influence how it handles slippery conditions.

The type of drivetrain could also play a role. FWD and AWD may offer better traction in wet conditions than RWD cars. However, any car with good tires will do reasonably well in such conditions.

Always be mindful of water on the road and reduce your speed to keep your car safely on track (no matter what vehicle you drive). Even the best-equipped vehicles can struggle when wet traction performance is compromised.

Can hydroplaning happen at low speeds?

Technically, yes. While hydroplaning is more likely at higher speeds, it can still happen at lower speeds if the road is particularly wet or your tires are worn or underinflated. Even at speeds below 60 km/h, if there’s a significant amount of water on the road and tire performance is lacking, you could still experience a loss of traction.

Sources

1. Safemotorist.com. “Hydroplaning Basics: Why it Occurs and How You Can Avoid it.” safemotorist.com, safemotorist.com/articles/hydroplaning-basics/. Accessed 5 May 2025.
2. Consumer Reports. “How safe are worn tires?” consumerreports.org, consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/how-safe-are-worn-tires/index.htm. Accessed 5 May 2025.
3. WUSA9. “Here’s how low tire pressure can increase chances of hydroplaning.” wusa9.com, 24 Jan. 2020, wusa9.com/article/weather/weather-blog/hydroplanning-in-cold-weather/65-7d93ebad-f123-4caa-978f-e095afeafe1c.
4. Road Safety at Work. “Driving for the Conditions.” roadsafetyatwork.ca, roadsafetyatwork.ca/resource/tool-kit/driving-for-the-conditions. Accessed 7 May 2025.
5. Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec. “Tires: Check Their Pressure and Condition.” saaq.gouv.qc.ca, saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/road-safety/modes-transportation/automobile/maintenance-safety/tires-pressure-condition. Accessed 7 May 2025.
6. Government of Canada. “Riding On Air.” tc.canada.ca, tc.canada.ca/en/road-transportation/stay-safe-when-driving/riding-air. Accessed 7 May 2025.
7. Canadian Tire. “How to check your tire tread depth.” canadiantire.ca, canadiantire.ca/en/how-to/automotive/how-to-check-your-tire-depthtread.html. Accessed 7 May 2025.
8. ICBC. “Driving in poor conditions.” icbc.com, 5 Jul. 2019, icbc.com/brochures/driving-in-poor-conditions. Accessed 7 May 2025.

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