The weather lately has been confusing. Even though the dry season has entered, it still rains quite often in various regions. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) calls this condition a wet drought, a weather phenomenon that is expected to last until August 2025.

For this reason, those of you who often do daily activities using cars must be extra vigilant, especially against the risk of aquaplaning that can occur at any time when it rains.

What is Aquaplaning?

Aquaplaning or often called hydroplaning is a dangerous condition where the car suddenly loses grip on waterlogged roads. As a result, the car feels like it's sliding without control, and sometimes the brake pedal doesn't even work.

This can happen because the stagnant water forms a thin layer between the tires and the asphalt, so the tires can't 'tread' properly. In addition to puddles, other causes can be worn tires or improper tire pressure.

Danger of Aquaplaning

Aquaplaning not only makes the car difficult to control, but can also lead to fatal accidents. Here are some of the risks that can occur:

1. The car can change lanes on its own

When losing traction, the car can veer into another lane and potentially collide with vehicles from the opposite direction.

2. Loss of Control

Tires that lose grip make it difficult for you to control the direction of the vehicle. If left unchecked, the risk of a collision increases.

3. Unstable Car

Tires that 'float' due to water make the car feel swaying and difficult to control.

4. Increased Risk of Accident

Because the driver loses control and reaction time slows down, the risk of hitting other vehicles or obstacles on the road is higher.

5. Damages Car Components

Aquaplaning can also accelerate tire wear, as well as put a strain on the suspension and steering system, which ultimately causes the car to break down faster.

How to Prevent Aquaplaning

To stay safe while driving in this wet dry season, here are some tips that you can do:

1. Check Tire Pressure Routinely

Make sure the tire pressure is as recommended. Tires with ideal pressure can grip the road better.

2. Turn Off Cruise Control

On wet roads, it is better to turn off the cruise control feature so that you can react more quickly to changing road conditions.

3. Reduce Speed in the Rain

The faster you go, the greater the risk of aquaplaning. So, adjust your speed according to road conditions.

4. Brake Softly

Avoid braking suddenly on slippery roads. Press the brake pedal slowly to keep the car stable.

Indonesia

Cuaca akhir-akhir ini memang bikin bingung. Meski sudah masuk musim kemarau, hujan masih sering turun cukup deras di berbagai wilayah. Badan Meteorologi, Klimatologi dan Geofisika (BMKG) menyebut kondisi ini sebagai kemarau basah, sebuah fenomena cuaca yang diperkirakan akan berlangsung hingga Agustus 2025.

Untuk itu, buat kamu yang kerap beraktivitas harian menggunakan mobil wajib ekstra waspada, terutama terhadap risiko aquaplaning yang bisa terjadi kapan saja saat hujan turun.

Apa Itu Aquaplaning?

Aquaplaning atau kerap disebut hydroplaning adalah kondisi berbahaya di mana mobil tiba-tiba kehilangan cengkeraman di jalanan yang tergenang air. Hasilnya, mobil terasa seperti meluncur tanpa kendali, bahkan kadang pedal rem seolah tidak berfungsi.

Hal ini bisa terjadi karena air yang menggenang membentuk lapisan tipis di antara ban dan aspal, sehingga ban enggak bisa 'menapak' dengan baik. Selain genangan air, penyebab lainnya bisa karena kondisi ban yang sudah aus atau tekanan angin yang tidak sesuai.

Bahaya Aquaplaning

Aquaplaning bukan cuma bikin mobil susah dikendalikan, tapi juga bisa memicu kecelakaan fatal. Berikut beberapa risiko yang bisa terjadi:

1. Mobil Bisa Pindah Jalur Sendiri

Saat kehilangan traksi, mobil bisa nyelonong ke jalur lain dan berpotensi tabrakan dengan kendaraan dari arah berlawanan.

2. Kehilangan Kendali

Ban yang kehilangan grip bikin kamu sulit mengontrol arah kendaraan. Kalau dibiarkan, risiko tabrakan makin besar.

3. Mobil Jadi Tidak Stabil

Ban yang ‘melayang’ karena air bikin mobil terasa oleng dan susah dikendalikan.

4. Risiko Kecelakaan Meningkat

Karena pengemudi kehilangan kendali dan waktu reaksi melambat, risiko menabrak kendaraan lain atau rintangan di jalan makin tinggi.

5. Merusak Komponen Mobil

Aquaplaning juga bisa mempercepat keausan ban, serta membebani sistem suspensi dan kemudi, yang ujung-ujungnya bikin mobil lebih cepat rusak.

Cara Mencegah Aquaplaning

Supaya tetap aman saat berkendara di musim kemarau basah seperti ini, berikut beberapa tips yang bisa kamu lakukan:

1. Cek Tekanan Ban Secara Rutin

Pastikan tekanan ban sesuai rekomendasi. Ban dengan tekanan ideal bisa mencengkeram jalan lebih baik.

2. Matikan Cruise Control

Di jalan basah, lebih baik matikan fitur cruise control supaya kamu bisa bereaksi lebih cepat terhadap kondisi jalan yang berubah-ubah.

3. Kurangi Kecepatan Saat Hujan

Makin cepat kamu melaju, makin besar risiko aquaplaning. Jadi, atur kecepatan sesuai kondisi jalan.

4. Rem dengan Lembut

Hindari mengerem mendadak di jalanan licin. Tekan pedal rem secara perlahan agar mobil tetap stabil.