Technical Advice

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_Skidding and Hydroplaning in Rainy Conditions

_ Losing control of your car on wet pavement is a frightening experience.

Skids are scary but hydroplaning is completely nerve-wracking.

Hydroplaning happens when the water in front of your tires builds up faster than your car's weight can push it out of the way. The water pressure causes your car to rise up and slide on a thin layer of water between your tires.

Taking these simple tips into account can save your life.

  • You can prevent skids by driving slowly and carefully, especially on curves. Steer and brake with a light touch. When you need to stop or slow, do not brake hard or lock the wheels and risk a skid. Maintain mild pressure on the brake pedal.
  •  If you do find yourself in a skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas, and carefully steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. You must be prepared to turn the steering wheel again and again until the front of the vehicle is traveling in a straight line. For cars without anti-lock brakes, avoid using your brakes. If your car has ABS, brake firmly as you steer into the skid.
  • Avoid hydroplaning by keeping your tires inflated correctly. Maintain good tire tread. Don't put off replacing worn tires. Slow down when roads are wet, and stay away from puddles. Try to drive in the tire tracks left by the cars in front of you.
  • If you find yourself hydroplaning, do not brake or turn suddenly. This could throw your car into a skid. Ease your foot off the gas until the car slows and you can feel the road again. If you need to brake, do it gently with light pumping actions. If your car has anti-lock brakes, then brake normally. The car's computer will automatically pump the brakes much more effectively than a person can do.
  • A defensive driver adjusts his or her speed to the wet road conditions in time to avoid having to use any of these measures.

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_10 Things to Know about Flood Safety

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Flooding can occur as streams and rivers overflow their banks, when dams or levees break, with run-off from deep snow cover, or any time there is rainfall with significant duration and intensity.

Keep these facts in mind to stay alive and dry.

  • Flash floods can come rapidly and unexpectedly. They can occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall, or when a dam or levee fails and even a sudden release of water held by an ice or debris jam. Be cautious during storm seasons, or any time that flooding is common in your area.
  • You may not have warning that a flash flood is approaching.
  • Do not drive unless absolutely necessary.
  • Do not drive through flooded areas. If you see a flooded-out road ahead, turn around. Find another route to your destination.
  • If there is no other route, get to higher ground and wait for the waters to subside.
  • Even if the water appears shallow enough to cross, don't try it. Water hides dips in the road. Worse yet, there may be no road at all under the water. Flooding can scour away the entire road surface and a significant amount of ground beneath.
  • If your car stalls, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
  • Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control or possible stalling.
  • One foot of water will float almost many vehicles.
  • Two feet of rushing water can sweep away most vehicles — including SUVs and pick-ups.

Sources: FEMA.gov, NOAA.gov

Archived Technical Articles
(click the article printed in red to view it )

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Fog 01/12 - Driving in Fog
Fog 01/12 - Fog Lights on Cadillacs
Oil 10/10 - Everything You Wanted to Know About Motor Oil
Rain 01/12 - Weatherize Your Car for Rain
Winter 11/11 - Practical Tips for Safe Winter Driving
Winter 12/11 - Protecting Your Cadillac From Winter's Chill