Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning.... great water sport, right? Wrong! In this case the term refers to a phenomenon that occurs on rain covered roads. A bald tire, or one with badly worn tread, rides up on a wedge of water, losing contact with the road. The result can be loss of steering control, with the vehicle acting as if it were on ice, says the Car Care Council.

If this happens to you, back off the gas, slowing down to regain control.

To prevent getting into that frightening situation, the Council suggests adjusting your speed to conditions. Also, considering that even with the best of tires can lose traction on a slippery wet road surface, pay attention to the condition of your tires.

Use a penny as a depth gauge. When inserted upside down in the tread, the top of Lincoln's head should enter the tread, indicating 2/32 of an inch or more of tread remaining. When rain builds up under a thin tread surface, the tire literally rides up on the film of water like a water ski. Deep tread pattern, on the other hand, allows water to escape, and helping to maintain safe tire-to-road contact.

For more maintenance tips log on www.carcarecouncil.org.