Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build
up under your tires that they can actually ride on
the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough
and you are going fast enough. When your vehicle
is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road.
Hydroplaning does not happen often. But it can if
your tires do not have much tread or if the pressure in
one or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is
standing on the road. If you can see re ections
from trees, telephone poles, or other vehicles, and
raindrops dimple the water’s surface, there could be
hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There
just is not a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning.
The best advice is to slow down when it is raining.
Driving Through Deep Standing Water
Notice:If you drive too quickly through deep
puddles or standing water, water can come in
through your engine’s air intake and badly damage
your engine. Never drive through water that is
slightly lower than the underbody of your vehicle.
If you cannot avoid deep puddles or standing water,
drive through them very slowly.
Driving Through Flowing Water
{CAUTION:
Flowing or rushing water creates strong
forces. If you try to drive through owing
water, as you might at a low water crossing,
your vehicle can be carried away. As little as
six inches of owing water can carry away
a smaller vehicle. If this happens, you and
other vehicle occupants could drown. Do not
ignore police warning signs, and otherwise
be very cautious about trying to drive through
owing water.
Some Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, allow some extra
following distance. And be especially careful
when you pass another vehicle. Allow yourself
more clear room ahead, and be prepared to
have your view restricted by road spray.
Have good tires with proper tread depth.
SeeTires on page 5-57.
4-21
Customer Assistance and Information...............7-2
Customer Satisfaction Procedure......................7-2
Online Owner Center......................................7-4
Customer Assistance for Text
Telephone (TTY) Users................................7-5
Customer Assistance Offices............................7-5
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program................7-7
Roadside Service...........................................7-7
Courtesy Transportation...................................7-9
Vehicle Data Collection and Event
Data Recorders.........................................7-11
Collision Damage Repair................................7-12Reporting Safety Defects................................7-15
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government..........................7-15
Reporting Safety Defects to the
Canadian Government................................7-15
Reporting Safety Defects to
General Motors.........................................7-16
Service Publications Ordering
Information...............................................7-16
Section 7 Customer Assistance and Information
7-1