1996 Chevrolet Tahoe Owner's Manual - Page 190

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'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 muchtread or if the pressure in one or more is low. It can happen if a lot of water is standing on the road. Ifyou can see reflections from trees, telephone poles or other vehicles, and raindrops "dimple" the water's surface, there could be hydroplaning. Driving Through Deep Standing Water NOTICE: If you drive too quickly through puddles or deep 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- .. can't avoid deep puddles or standing water, drive through them very slowly. ~ z 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. 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 4-31