1998 Buick Regal Owner's Manual - Page 205

Hydroplaning Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up under your tires thatthey can actually rideon the water. This canhappen 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 treadif or pressure in one or the more is low. It canhappen 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 higherspeeds. 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 lower than the underbody of 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 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.) 4-21