1998 Chevrolet Prizm Owner's Manual - Page 170

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 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 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: 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 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 Besides slowing down, allow some extra following distance. And be especially careful when youpass another vehicle. Allow yourselfmore clear room ahead, and beprepared to have your viewrestricted by road spray. Have good tires with proper tread depth. (See "Tires" in the Index.) 4-18