Aquaplaning: What Is It, and How To Avoid It On A Two-Wheeler

When a layer of water builds up between a tyre of a two-wheeler and the road surface, it can cause aquaplaning, a hazardous phenomenon that results in a loss of traction and control. For riders, this situation can be particularly dangerous, as two-wheelers don’t have the weight, contact patch or the stability that an additional pair of wheels on a four-wheeler provide. In this article, we will cover what aquaplaning is, why it occurs, and what you can do to prevent it from happening while riding a two-wheeler.

What is aquaplaning?

Aquaplaning or hydroplaning is the phenomenon of a tyre skiing over water and losing traction. This typically happens when you enter a waterlogged area at a relatively high speed, and your vehicle’s weight and tyres’ grooves are unable to push the water apart, resulting in a loss of contact with the road. Any vehicle may encounter aquaplaning, but because two-wheelers have less weight and fewer wheels than four-wheelers, it is particularly risky when you experience it while riding one.

A two-wheeled vehicle can aquaplane if its tyres are unable to quickly push the water off the road surface and find grip. Not being able to do so results in the tyres losing contact with the surface. The tyres literally lift off the road and begin to sort of skim over the water like a jet ski. This may cause the rider to lose control over steering and make the two-wheeler swerve out of control. So, how can you ride a two-wheeler without aquaplaning? Here are some tips to keep in mind:

Slow down, be cautious

We cannot stress enough on the importance of riding cautiously in the wet. Most aquaplaning incidents occur as the riders throw caution to the wind and ride over a thick layer of water at high speeds. This allows the front tyre to ski over the wet surface, resulting in a loss of traction and steering control. The best way to avoid aquaplaning is to slow down and ride cautiously as soon as you see a layer of water on the road surface. You are sure to aquaplane if you plan on riding at speed over standing water, especially if it doesn’t allow you to see the road surface.

As we have mentioned many times, in several other articles on this blog as well, practise extreme caution while riding in the wet. As soon as you encounter wet riding conditions, roll off the throttle, slow down and be super cautious even if there’s a thin film of water over the road surface. Avoid abrupt acceleration or braking, because these actions can cause the tyres to lose grip and cause aquaplaning.

Check your tyres

Another important step in preventing aquaplaning is to make sure your vehicle’s tyres are in good condition. The tyres should have sufficient tread and be inflated to the manufacturer recommended pressure to provide the best traction possible. Examine the tyre wear markers for signs of wear. Aquaplaning is more likely to occur when tyres have low tread depth, as they are not able to push the water apart effectively. Worn out tread also allows the tyres to ski over water more easily. If your two-wheeler’s tyres are not in proper shape, do not ride in the wet until they have been replaced.

Standing water calls for extra caution

Practising extreme caution while riding through stagnant water is an effective way to prevent aquaplaning. Still water can conceal hazards like potholes or debris and can be deeper than it appears. Puddles, pools of water, and flooded areas can be particularly dangerous. If riding through stagnant water is unavoidable, go slowly and be careful. If you absolutely cannot gauge the depth of the water and are unsure of the concealed obstacles, wait for a bigger four-wheeler to pass through it and observe its tyres’ behaviour. If everything looks smooth, follow the exact same line where one of the vehicle’s tyres passed through. If that too isn’t an option, simply get off the vehcile and push it across.

Be patient

Be patient, and don’t rush your way through waterlogged areas, as it will take just one mistake to end up with a fall. Use gentle, smooth motions when riding in wet conditions. Avoid abrupt changes in direction or speed. This will support control and traction. Steer clear of abrupt turns and movements that are too quick. If you come across a big area where water is accumulated, and you can’t see the road surface, pushing the motorcycle across as mentioned before is the safest option.

Be alert

Finally, when riding in wet conditions, it's critical to remain vigilant. Keep an eye on the road in front of you and be alert for any dangers such as debris, puddles or standing water. It is critical that you are alert and cautious while riding in such conditions.

What to do if the two-wheeler aquaplanes?

If your vehcile aquaplanes at a high speed, you would essentially lose your control over steering. This is a very perilous situation to be in as you don’t have sufficient control over your vehicle. This point onward, you have to keep your wits about the situation, and ensure that your loss of control on the steering doesn’t result in a mishap.

Here are a few things you can do to keep yourself safe if your motorcycle aquaplanes:

• Reduce speed! Aquaplaning, in most cases, happens owing to excessive speed. Roll off the throttle, and the tyres should ideally find back the traction. Do not, however, grab a handful of the brake lever, as the front might wash out.
• Keep your eyes on the escape path, not on the obstacle - avoid target fixation. Look far, to the area where you wish to steer the bike to. This should ideally be a patch with less or no water. Do not focus on the water underneath, as it will only reduce your control on the bike.
• Don’t lose your composure or panic. Sudden steering movements or applying the brakes abruptly could result in the wheels locking up and worsening the situation. Instead, try to slow down gradually and apply the brakes progressively.
• Aim to move towards an area where there is less water and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.

In conclusion, aquaplaning poses a significant risk to riders, so it's critical to take precautions to keep yourself safe. You can lower your risk of an accident and stay safe on the road by riding cautiously, maintaining your composure, avoiding sudden braking, maintaining your balance and control, and not being abrupt in your actions. Always be mindful of your surroundings and give yourself enough space and time to react to any potential dangers.