1997 Buick Century Owner's Manual - Page 204

Hydroplaning ! Driving Through Deep StandingWater 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 iswet enough and you're going fast enough. When your vehicle is hydroplaning' it has little or no contact with the road. Hydroplaning doesn't happen often. But it can if your tires do not have much tread orif the pressure in one or more is low. It can happen if a lotof water is standing on the road.If you can see reflections 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 isn't a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down when it is raining. NOTICE: If you drive too quickly through deep puddles or standing water, water can comethrough your in engine's air intake and badly damage your engine. Never drive through water that is slightly lower than the underbody your vehicle.If you of can't avoid deep puddles or standing water, drive through them very slowly. Some Other Rainy WeatherTips Besides slowing down, allow some extra following distance. And be especially carefulwhen 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. (See "Tires'' in the Index.)