1996 Chevrolet Blazer Owner's Manual - Page 187

Hydroplaning Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up under your tires that they can actually ride on the water. This canhappen if the road is wetenough 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 haven't much treador 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 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. Driving Through Deep Standing Water NOTICE: r If you drive too quickly throughdeep puddles or standing water, watercan come in through your engine's air intake and badly damage your engine. Neverdrive through water thatis slightly of lower than the underbody your vehicle.If you can't avoid deep puddles or standing water, drive through them very slowly. Some Other Rainy Weather Tips 0 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. (See "Tires" in the Index.) 0 4-33