Driving safety guide · Ford of Peoria · Peoria, IL
What Is Hydroplaning and What Should You Do?
Hydroplaning happens when water on the road causes your tires to lose their contact with the pavement. It can happen at speeds as low as 30 mph when there is a lot of standing water, and it compromises your steering and braking. Here is what the Federal Highway Administration's driver safety training says causes it, how tires play a part, and how to respond.
The short answer
Hydroplaning is when your tires lose their contact with the road and have little or no traction. FHWA says it can happen at speeds as low as 30 mph when there is a lot of standing water. If it happens, release the accelerator and avoid applying the brakes.
What hydroplaning is
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) describes hydroplaning as being like water skiing: the tires lose their contact with the road and have little or no traction. It is difficult to control the vehicle, because steering and braking are compromised.
From FHWA, Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operators Training Manual, Module 7: Driver Safety Issues, read November 3, 2026.
When hydroplaning happens
FHWA says it does not take a lot of water to cause hydroplaning, and that hydroplaning can occur at speeds as low as 30 mph when there is a lot of standing water on the roadway. Road surfaces where water collects create conditions that increase the chance of hydroplaning.
Rain is slippery in another way, too. FHWA warns drivers to beware of slippery conditions just after rain begins, because the rain mixes with oil left on the road by vehicles. As rain continues to fall, the oil is washed away.
From FHWA, Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operators Training Manual, Module 7: Driver Safety Issues, read November 3, 2026.
What to do if your car hydroplanes
FHWA's guidance is simple: to regain control, release the accelerator but avoid applying the brakes.
From FHWA, Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operators Training Manual, Module 7: Driver Safety Issues, read November 3, 2026.
How tires affect hydroplaning
FHWA says hydroplaning is more likely if tire pressure is low or when the tread is worn. The grooves in a tire carry away the water; if they are shallow, they do not work well.
That makes tire pressure and tread depth worth checking before rainy stretches. For tire checks, see our tire care page.
From FHWA, Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operators Training Manual, Module 7: Driver Safety Issues, read November 3, 2026.
Following distance in the rain
FHWA's training module says experts suggest a minimum following distance of three seconds in good conditions (flat, level, dry pavement in the daytime), adding one second for each hazardous condition. Its own examples:
| Conditions | Following distance |
|---|---|
| Good conditions | At least 3 seconds |
| Raining | Add 1 second |
| Raining, and it has rained all night (standing water) | Add 2 seconds |
From FHWA, Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operators Training Manual, Module 7: Driver Safety Issues, read November 3, 2026.
Tire and service checks at Ford of Peoria
The Works® at Ford of Peoria includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Ford of Peoria is at 2211 W. Pioneer Pkwy. in Peoria. Get directions.
Ford of Peoria service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-noon |
| Sun | closed |
From Ford of Peoria's website, November 3, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Hydroplaning FAQ
What is hydroplaning?
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) describes hydroplaning as being like water skiing: the tires lose their contact with the road and have little or no traction, so steering and braking are compromised.
What should you do if your car hydroplanes?
FHWA says that to regain control, drivers should release the accelerator but avoid applying the brakes.
At what speed can you hydroplane?
FHWA says hydroplaning can occur at speeds as low as 30 mph when there is a lot of standing water on the roadway.
How much water does it take to hydroplane?
Not a lot. FHWA says it does not take a lot of water to cause hydroplaning, and road surfaces where water collects increase the chance of it.
Do worn tires make hydroplaning more likely?
Yes. FHWA says hydroplaning is more likely if tire pressure is low or the tread is worn, because the grooves in a tire carry away the water and do not work well if they are shallow.
How much following distance should I leave in the rain?
FHWA's training module says experts suggest at least three seconds in good conditions, plus one second for each hazardous condition: add one second if it is raining, and two if it has been raining all night (standing water).
What does The Works at Ford of Peoria include?
The Works® at Ford of Peoria includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Tires looking worn?
Worn tread and low pressure make hydroplaning more likely. Schedule a tire check with the Ford of Peoria service team.
Sources
Hydroplaning facts are from the Federal Highway Administration's driver safety training module, read November 3, 2026. Service details, address and hours are from Ford of Peoria's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- FHWA, Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operators Training Manual, Module 7: Driver Safety Issues, U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, read November 3, 2026
- Tire care advice, Ford of Peoria, November 3, 2026
- General service: The Works, Ford of Peoria, November 3, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Ford of Peoria, November 3, 2026