I think I hydroplaned!

[Deleted]

It's been raining all day so roads are wet. I was driving in stop and go traffic on the interstate and almost couldn't stop in time a couple times. Scared me to death!! I got off the highway and am safe in a parking lot waiting on AAA. I was sliding all over on the looped exit ramp, I thought I was going to crash into the barrier! I'm having the car taken to the dealership so they can check it out. I hope it's nothing wrong with the car, we so don't need that right now!!

This post brought to you from a grown woman who turns into a scared little child when car trouble is involved, especially on a dark and rainy night in the ATL.

[Susie]

You usually have to have some speed to hydroplane - I'm not sure I ever have at less than 45 or 50 mph.

Could just be wet brakes, or something wrong with the brakes. In any event, good that you were able to stop each time.

[Deleted]

Jan 11, 2013 18:32:01 GMT -5 Susie said:

You usually have to have some speed to hydroplane - I'm not sure I ever have at less than 45 or 50 mph.

Could just be wet brakes, or something wrong with the brakes. In any event, good that you were able to stop each time.

. That's what I was thinking - I'm going to slow for this! Tires look ok too. Maybe I just need new brake pads. I hope it's that simple. I hate car trouble!!

[emjacobs]

Could have been a slick road, the oil can make stopping difficult. I highly doubt there is anything wrong with the car other than you might need new brake pads. You would have had a check engine light if there was a problem with any system.

[Deleted]

Ok so I got home on my own.DH convinced me to drive around the parking lot. I did and nothing happened. I cancelled the tow and drove home slowly. He thinks it was wet brakes and maybe I hit an oil slick. I did smell motor oil until I got off the highway. Thank goodness. I will likely have the brakes checked to be safe though.

Enjoying a well deserved glass of wine now. :-)

[Susie]

Had it just recently started raining? That is the time the roads are the most slick in a rainstorm, because light rain combines with petroleum on the roads and you have double the reasons to slide. When it's been raining for a while, the rain washes off the oil and gas dribbles in the travel lanes and its actually less slippery.

[Deleted]

Jan 12, 2013 10:46:50 GMT -5 Susie said:

Had it just recently started raining? That is the time the roads are the most slick in a rainstorm, because light rain combines with petroleum on the roads and you have double the reasons to slide. When it's been raining for a while, the rain washes off the oil and gas dribbles in the travel lanes and its actually less slippery.

I'm honestly not sure when it started raining. Likely it was off and on during the day so maybe it stopped and started later. Hard to know from my cubicle farm, lol. Regardless, its never happened before and was pretty scary. A friend's DH said to tap the brakes and that will help. I'm just so thankful I didn't wreck!!

[emoflamingo]

There's no mistaking hydroplaning. You're driving fine and then all of the sudden your car gets super loud and the speedometer flies up. Been there, hated that.

Yesterday, it started snowing and and it was slicker than snot, but apparently the people on the turnpike didn't get it because they were flying past me doing 80 or so and then I'd see them in the ditch later on. And then I slid trying to stop because some guy was IN the lane on the highway throwing flares out. Use your flashers, we can see you and you don't need flares.

[TBM]

Hydroplaning can happen at lower speeds....it is basically defined as tires skidding/sliding on a wet road.

There is information here about what it is, how to avoid it and what to do... www.safemotorist.com/articles/Hydroplaning_Basics.aspx

[prazenjc]

Jan 13, 2013 19:02:32 GMT -5 TBM said:

Hydroplaning can happen at lower speeds....it is basically defined as tires skidding/sliding on a wet road.

There is information here about what it is, how to avoid it and what to do... www.safemotorist.com/articles/Hydroplaning_Basics.aspx

this is what i always understood, too. so glad someone found supporting information (i didn't have time to look).