What are the odds of hydroplaning on the interstate in the rain going 70-75 mph?

Vince M

In the first place, one can't calculate the odds without knowing the actual conditions of the road. For example, water will tend to pool on any low spots on the road. Poor drainage will also contribute as does the condition of the tires.

Regarding odds, all that can be said is that the odds are higher of hydroplaning on a wet road than a dry one. The odds are higher of doing this while driving higher speeds, etc.

Also, when there is sufficiant water on the surface, the sheer speed of the tires can cause them to be lifted, without having to slow down or speed up. Even the best tread on the market can't always prevent this. And, a tire not ON the surface offers NO control to the car.

The thing about "left lane vs. right lane," and playing the "odds" is a poor way of making judgements on how one drives. The fact remains that driving 80 to 85 mph, or even 70 to 75 on wet roads is dangerous. And just because "a lot of people" drive at speed in wet conditions, doesn't make it any safer for you do do so. "A lot of people" don't wear seat belt and end up not getting killed. But I'm not willing to gamble my life just because they do.

Best advice is to take ALL the precautions for driving in inclement weather conditions, and not just pick and choose which ones are more convenient. Make sure your tires are good and properly inflated. Drive the left lane (if it's legal), keep a longer following distance, and, above all SLOW DOWN.

Spacetaco

Driving fast on an interstate while it's raining is honestly the BEST way to get into a hydroplane. My neighbor was doing the same and now he is paralyzed for life. Doesn't matter how good the tires are, the slightest friction disability is not good for any car. Don't drive fast while it's raining.

Matteo

HA im pretty sure its fairly high at 75. I think you can hydroplane at like 60. But your probably right it depends on the amount of rainfall happening.

Sultan of Q's

There is a pretty good chance, but most of the time it does not happen. But there is always that one time where it happens and you will be sorry. Be careful!!!

Grundoon

I was doing 70 in a downpour in Michigan, I started to pass a car, hit a long puddle and felt the car drift.
I got behind the car in front and stayed there.
You can hydroplane without braking....and it ain't fun

Archangel

Hydroplaning can occur under any number of conditions. However, the higher your speed, the great the chance...unless your car produces down force like a Formula 1 racer. How good your tires are is not as much a factor as how well they sipe away water from under the tire at speed. I've driven on the autostrada at more than 100 mph in the rain, but that was with really good rain tires and the great smooth Italian high speed road system that water drains off rather well. I wouldn't drive more than 70mph on any US road in the rain due to inconsistencies in the road surface. One puddle and you are done for.

Vishal

there's a big chance it will happen so be careful and i wouldnt go that fast

Fred C

Anything over 60 and the risk of hydroplaning increases exponentially, especially if the tires have less than 4/32" tread remaining, and 85 in the rain is stupid. You can be hydroplaning at a constant speed and not know it until you have to change direction or hit the breaks, that is why many hydroplane accidents happen, people just don't feel it! A light rain or drizzle actually makes the road greasier than a downpour, and you won't hydroplane so much as slide in the event you have to apply the breaks.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydroplaning_(road_vehicle)
http://www.edmunds.com/ownership/safety/articles/45401/article.html
http://www.wheels.ca/article/222266

tjv189

I would say there is a pretty high chance of experiencing some hydroplaning when going that fast in the rain.

You're right, Tennessee does have pretty well-maintained roads. However, this won't stop you from hydroplaning if the conditions are right. I've read somewhere before that hydroplaning can occur at speeds as low as 45 mph, even with good tires on your vehicle. I don't know whether there is much truth to that or not, but its enough to make me slow down a bit in the rain.

If you haven't hydroplaned at those speeds yet, it doesn't mean you won't. It only takes once, and it could cause you to get in an accident, so you have to ask yourself if it's really worth saving a few minutes over. I think the chances of hydroplaning in the left lane are probably close to the same as in any other lane. If there is any difference, I would think it would be a pretty insignificant difference. That's just my opinion though.

I would say if it begins to rain hard, just ease up a bit and don't risk it. Hope this helps.

Rapid Fire

I'd say the chances are about 100% that you are going to hydroplane regardless of the tires on your vehicle. But then, I suspect that you are already totally aware of that fact. I just thank the Gods that I don't drive in Tennessee. And after hearing your story I never will.

UCANTCME

The most important factor in hydroplaning is tire pressure, although other factors (weight of the vehicle, tire design, etc.) will play a part as well.

Although I am not familiar with an actual formula for hydroplaning speed, you can find some information in this link ( http://gaia.csus.edu/~grandajj/me143/ME143_Tires_3.pdf ) with a chart on page 11 showing hydroplaning speed as a function of tire pressure.

BC outside

i think you gotta be going a lot faster than 75 and you need tires with little to no tread

Kent H

only if you hit the brakes, downshift to slow down before you hit the brakes, take it out of overdrive. (4th), the then 3rd. but don't put too much rev's or you'll spin the tires, one gear at a time.

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