On the N375 near the Ramspol bridge you are driving at 90 km/h, the permitted speed, in heavy rain. Your car has wide tyres that are badly worn: only 1 mm of tread is left. Are you at risk of aquaplaning?
- ✓ Yes, the thin tread and the wide tyres increase the risk, even at this speed
- No, wide tyres have more contact with the road and make up for the thin tread
- No, as long as you do not drive faster than permitted, your tyres keep enough grip
Correct answer: Yes, the thin tread and the wide tyres increase the risk, even at this speed
Explanation
False — speed is not the only factor. If the tread of your tyres cannot drain the water, the chance of aquaplaning is greater, even if you keep to the permitted speed
Why learners get this wrong
- Wrong — wide tyres actually work against you here. They have less weight per cm² of road surface and therefore float on the water sooner; they increase the chance of aquaplaning
- Wrong — speed is not the only factor. If the tread of your tyres cannot drain the water, the chance of aquaplaning is greater, even if you keep to the permitted speed
Topic: Aquaplaning: what to do — and not do — when the tyres start to 'float'
Read the rule: Core: Aquaplaning: what to do — and not do — when the tyres start to 'float'
Sections
- Challenge: Aquaplaning: what to do — and not do — when the tyres start to 'float'
- The model: Aquaplaning: what to do — and not do — when the tyres start to 'float'
- Core: Aquaplaning: what to do — and not do — when the tyres start to 'float'
- Why it matters: Aquaplaning: what to do — and not do — when the tyres start to 'float'
- Active recall: Aquaplaning: what to do — and not do — when the tyres start to 'float'
- Teach back: Aquaplaning: what to do — and not do — when the tyres start to 'float'
- Memory hook: Aquaplaning: what to do — and not do — when the tyres start to 'float'