You know that panicked feeling when it’s pouring down rain as you’re driving—suddenly, your vehicle hits water and it seems like you’re about to lose control?  “Hydroplaning” is the term that describes what occurs when your vehicle’s tires encounter more water on the road surface than they are capable of quickly dispersing.  As a result, the driver may experience complete loss of steering, braking and power control.  This can and does lead to car accidents.  Cardinale Mazda in Salinas, located in the Salinas Auto Mall, offers great tips for how you can avoid hydroplaning.

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What You Can Do To Avoid Hydroplaning

Keep the following tips in mind the next time it rains. You might be surprised to know that you’re in greater danger of hydroplaning during the first ten minutes of a rain shower.  First, if it begins to rain, turn off your cruise control, as this can contribute to your likelihood of hydroplaning.  Reduce your speed on wet road surfaces.  Don’t drive in the outer lanes if at all possible, as this is where more water may accumulate.  Avoid slamming on your brakes—allow plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you.  Don’t make sudden turns if the roads are wet.  Probably the most important thing you can do is to make sure your tires are properly inflated, rotated and replaced as necessary.

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What To Do If You Do Begin Hydroplaning

Above all else, do not panic!  Although it may be instinctual to apply the brakes, this can actually be a fatal mistake.  Slamming on the brakes can cause the rear wheels to lock up and send your vehicle into a spin-out.  You also don’t want to accelerate as speeding up your vehicle will only make matters worse.  Instead, only lightly apply the brakes, avoid acceleration and try to steer your car in the direction it’s going.

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Bring Your Vehicle To Cardinale Mazda For Tire Maintenance

Lower your chances of hydroplaning by bringing your vehicle to Cardinale Mazda, your Salinas car dealership, for routine tire maintenance.  Our highly trained Service technicians will be glad to check out your tires and rotate them when necessary.  When it comes time to replacing your tires, you’ve come to the right place — as we have a great selection of tires to fit every vehicle.  While you’re here, why not browse our dealership lot?  Take a look at our latest Mazda models such as the family-friendly three-row 2017 Mazda CX-9 or the popular 2017 Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV.  Let Cardinale Mazda be your one-stop dealership!

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Cardinale Mazda

500 Auto Center Circle

Salinas, California 93907

Phone: 877.989.9252

Website: www.cardinalemazda.com