How to prevent aquaplaning: Risks, causes and driving tips

Monday 24th March 2025

Some of the wettest areas in the UK receive over four metres of rainfall, according to the Met Office. Driving in the rain is unavoidable, so it’s important you know how to manage your vehicle on wet roads and how to guarantee it’s in the best possible condition to handle adverse conditions.

Find out the difference between aquaplaning and hydroplaning, the signs of aquaplaning, and how to prevent losing control of your vehicle.

What is aquaplaning?

Aquaplaning occurs when a layer of water, such as heavy rainfall or leaks, interferes with your vehicle’s ability to grip the road’s surface. Instead of driving on the road, your tyres travel across a blanket of water. This lack of traction can result in a temporary loss of control, which leaves you unable to steer, brake and accelerate. All motor vehicles are susceptible to aquaplaning.

Aquaplaning vs hydroplaning

Hydroplaning means the same as aquaplaning, and the terms can be used interchangeably.

What causes aquaplaning?

If you’re travelling during wet weather, it’s vital to understand how aquaplaning can affect your ability to drive safely, and it’s usually down to:

the health of your tyres
the speed of your vehicle
how much your vehicle weighs

Your stopping distance doubles in wet weather and tyres with low tread depth can add to this length. The minimum legal tread depth in the UK is 1.6mm, but it’s safer to replace your tyres before they reach this limit to prevent further tyre degradation issues. Newer tyres have a more defined tread pattern with longer grooves designed to displace water and maintain contact and grip with the road.

Formula One Autocentres has a wide range of tyres that you can easily compare to ensure you find the most suitable tyres for your vehicles.

But sometimes, even if your tyres are in great condition, the grooves can become overwhelmed with too much water and traction loss is inevitable. Especially if you’re driving at fast speeds like on the motorway.

How should I react to aquaplaning?

Aquaplaning doesn’t just happen if you’re driving too fast – you can hydroplane at 35mph – and just a few inches of water can cause it. Our top tips to reduce the risk of aquaplaning include slowing down in adverse weather for as much control as possible, and make sure your vehicle is always in a roadworthy condition through updated services and regular checks.

Signs your vehicle is aquaplaning

Water spray.
Loss of steering control.
A louder engine.
Drifting side to side.
Difficulty braking.
Sudden slowing.
Traction control light.

How to regain control of your vehicle

It’s crucial to remain calm if you realise your vehicle is aquaplaning. Don’t make any drastic decisions or sudden actions to control your car – instead, take a steady and gradual approach:

avoid braking heavily and ignore your first instinct to slow down immediately, as this could cause you to spin and lose control
gently ease off the accelerator to slowly decrease speed
turn off cruise control as the system can get confused in wet weather, and leaving it turned on can increase the likelihood of aquaplaning
relax your grip on the steering wheel. Although you might want to hold on tight, loosen your tension but maintain steady and straight until you feel the surface improve

How to prevent aquaplaning

Do's

Check your tyres regularly and keep them in good condition.
Plan your journey ahead of time and check the weather forecast.
Drive smoothly and consistently.
Be aware of where to drive on the road and follow the track.
Remember your stopping distances.
Watch your speed.

Don’ts

Drive in dips, bumps and ruts in the road.
Don’t use cruise control in bad weather.
Drive through floods and avoid driving in heavy rain whenever possible.

Find the perfect tyres for your vehicle with Formula One Autocentres

Browse our range of tyres by leading manufacturers or speak with technicians at your closest Formula One Autocentres branch if you have questions about your tyres.