1997 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 184

Hydroplaning Hydroplaning is dangerous. So much water can build up under your tires that they can actually ride on the water. This can happenif 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 itcan 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 isstanding on the road. If you can see reflections from trees, telephone poles or other vehicles, and raindrops "dimple" the water's surface, there could behydroplaning. Hydroplaning usually happens athigher speeds. There just isn't a hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The best advice isto slow down when it is raining. Driving Through Deep Standing Water NOTICE: If you drive too quickly through deep puddies or standing water, water can come in through your engine's air intake and badly damage your engine. Never drive through water thatslightly is 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 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.) 4-19