Hydroplaning | Consumer Reports

Hyrdroplaning is one of the scariest experiences a driver will face. Consumer Reports experts reveal how to regain control of your wheels.

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[swmike]

I live in Sweden. I did my drivers license test in 1991. It was by then (and still is) mandatory to take a half-day event at a similar kind of test track, to experience both hydro planing and simulated "ice/snow" to be able to handle the car in these kinds of conditions. This is done exactly for the reasons pointed out in this video, that drivers should experience this for the first time under controlled and safe conditions and learn how to handle it. Please talk to your politicians and tell them to firm up the rules and regulations regarding drivers license tests. This kind of skill should be mandatory to pass the test.

[Creeperboy]

I had an interesting experience when I last hydroplaned, and it was at a curve on an interchange going 65 miles an hour— I changed to the inside lane and started braking as I saw the curve getting tighter, but then I knew right then and there that I was gonna lose grip, and right when I did, I had an out of body experience where it seemed like I could only see the lane lines and my tires, being able to feel how much I was rotating

My instincts saved me as I didn’t touch any pedals and used gentle side to side motions to slow it down and cancel out rotation and bring the car to grip in a straight line at the shoulder before I put my brakes on— I had no idea what happened in that moment as it was dark and blurry until I reflected on it many times later

[rightlanehog]

When the weather is rotten slow the hell down!

[sandra]

trying to teach my teenager that's about to start driving next week what hydroplane is and "TRYING" to tell her the do's and don't on this situation cuz unfortunately it happens to everyone that drives at some time whenever rain falls...it's scary and every hydroplaning experience is different then the time before...so I don't think one's ever REALLY prepared on this situation but we can try to educate ourselves and our babies(teenagers really, but she will always be my baby) that are now almost adults entering the big world and have to start "adulting"...ty for the great video

[BlackXxScopez]

I'm pretty sure I hydroplaned going 75 but it was only for a second or so. All I really felt was some deceleration, and because I didn't freak out nothing happened. I feel like this is only a danger on flat roads with poor drainage and lots of curves and things to smash into.

[greenjay]

When I hydro planned my front wheels where facing forward and my back tires was drifting to the left all I did was turn my wheels to the left applied the breaks didn’t slam and hit the accelerator again and no I didn’t panic.

[ARSZLB]

holy shit Ryan, that’s one HELL of a last name.

[bismarchiavelli]

When did Keegan Michael Key join Consumer Reports?

[anonymous]

Experienced this last night, in a freaking turn, good thing I bought new tyres 2 weeks ago, next time I’m going slower in heavy rain

[carlosandresgallardogarrid]

Can you please make a video on how to correctly pronounce that technicians last name?

[fernandsuharman]

One open differential gear is an imperfection, two open differential gears are a manufacturing defect.😅

[MrNemo]

Also worth mentioning that tire tread depth of 4/32 or less will increase your chances of hydroplaning

[hippopotamus]

Was hoping they would debunk the cruise control myth.

[BM-qwhy]

This should be a comusary part of driving lessons. Learners should have to go to these places and have lessonson this

[AH-bmts]

Good summer tires inflated slightly higher than the manufacturer specs helps very much too🧐

[notastereotyoe]

I hydroplaned for the first time in a parking lot. I was like “WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?” I was going about 15mph. So a little fast, turned a corner, and my back end decided it wanted to lead the way.

[thaik]

I always imagined hydroplaning was serving back and worth on the water but it could be something simple as losing traction.

[joanrucker]

What if they only filled the right side of this track or angled it to simulate how the real rides are supposed to drain? Would you still hydroplane or? Asking for a friend😅

[carolynharmon]

Is there a safe speed at which hydroplaning won't occur?

[villagemagician]

"takes engineers HOURS to prepare this track with 700 GALLONS" - Okay...?