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Driving safety guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
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, and it compromises your steering and braking. Here is what federal and Indiana driver training materials say causes it, how to spot the risk and how to respond.
30 mphspeed at which hydroplaning can occur with a lot of standing water (FHWA)
Little waterit does not take much to cause hydroplaning (FHWA)
Off the gasrelease the accelerator to regain control (FHWA)
No brakesavoid applying the brakes while hydroplaning (FHWA)
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.
Indiana's commercial driver's license manual describes it the same way. In some weather, water or slush collects on the road, and when that happens your vehicle can hydroplane. You may not be able to steer or brake.
From FHWA, Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operators Training Manual, Module 7: Driver Safety Issues and Indiana BMV, Commercial Driver's License Manual, read November 2, 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 2, 2026.
How to spot standing water
Indiana's CDL manual says these are indications of standing water on the road:
Clear reflections
Listed by the Indiana CDL manual as a sign of standing water.
Tire splashes
Listed by the Indiana CDL manual as a sign of standing water.
Raindrops on the road
Listed by the Indiana CDL manual as a sign of standing water.
From Indiana BMV, Commercial Driver's License Manual, read November 2, 2026.
What to do if your car hydroplanes
FHWA's guidance is to release the accelerator but avoid applying the brakes. Indiana's CDL manual says the same thing: if the vehicle is hydroplaning, do not use the brakes to slow down. The CDL manual explains that you can regain control by releasing the accelerator and pushing in the clutch (on a manual transmission), which slows the vehicle and lets the wheels turn freely.
Speed matters in wet weather too. In its section on speed, the CDL manual notes that high speeds greatly increase the severity of crashes and stopping distances, and that by slowing down you can reduce braking distance.
From FHWA, Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operators Training Manual, Module 7: Driver Safety Issues and Indiana BMV, Commercial Driver's License Manual, read November 2, 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. Indiana's CDL manual adds that low tread depth increases the effect of hydroplaning, reduces traction and increases stopping distance.
That makes tire pressure and tread depth worth checking before rainy stretches. For tire checks, see our Ford tire service page.
From FHWA, Pilot/Escort Vehicle Operators Training Manual, Module 7: Driver Safety Issues and Indiana BMV, Commercial Driver's License Manual, read November 2, 2026.
Tire and service checks at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford 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. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 2, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Hydroplaning FAQ
What is hydroplaning?
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 to release the accelerator but avoid applying the brakes. Indiana's CDL manual adds: if the vehicle is hydroplaning, do not use the brakes to slow down.
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 and Indiana's CDL manual both say it does not take a lot of water to cause hydroplaning.
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 can you spot standing water?
Indiana's CDL manual says to watch for clear reflections, tire splashes and raindrops on the road, which indicate standing water.
What does The Works at Michigan City Ford include?
The Works® at Michigan City Ford 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 Michigan City Ford service team.
Sources
Hydroplaning facts are from FHWA's driver safety training module and the Indiana BMV commercial driver's license manual, both read November 2, 2026. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford'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 2, 2026
- Indiana BMV, Commercial Driver's License Manual, Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, manual version September 9, 2022, read November 2, 2026
- Ford tire service in Michigan City, Michigan City Ford, November 2, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 2, 2026
- Address and hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 2, 2026