4-33It can happen if a lot of water is standing on the road.If you can see reflections from trees, telephone polesor other vehicles, and raindrops “dimple” the water’ssurface, there could be hydroplaning.Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds.There just isn’t a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.The best advice is to slow down when it is raining.Driving Through Deep Standing WaterNOTICE:If you drive too quickly through deep puddlesor standing water, water can come in throughyour engine’s air intake and badly damage yourengine. Never drive through water that is slightlylower than the underbody of your vehicle. If youcan’t avoid deep puddles or standing water, drivethrough them very slowly.Driving Through Flowing WaterCAUTION:Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces.If you try to drive through flowing water, as youmight at a low water crossing, your vehicle can becarried away. As little as six inches of flowingwater can carry away a smaller vehicle. If thishappens, you and the other vehicle occupantscould drown. Don’t ignore police warning signs,and otherwise be very cautious about trying todrive through flowing water.Some Other Rainy Weather Tips Besides slowing down, allow some extra followingdistance. And be especially careful when you passanother vehicle. Allow yourself more clear roomahead, and be prepared to have your view restrictedby road spray. Have good tires with proper tread depth.See “Tires” in the Index.
