GMC 2003 Savana - Manual (Page 214)

Hydroplaning Driving Through Flowing Water
Hydroplaning is dangerous. So mijch wat&r can build up
under your lires 1hat Ihoy can actually nde on the
water. This can happen if the road
js wet enough and
you^ne going fast enougti. When your vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has hi lie or no contact with the ioad.
Hydroplaning doesn't happen often Bui it can if
your tires do not have much tread or if the pressure In
one or more is low. It can happen H a lot ot water is
standing on the road. If you can see reilectigns
ifom trees, lelephone poles or other vehicles, and
raindrops "dimple" [he water's surface, there could be
hydroplaning.
Hydroplaning usually happens at higher speeds. There
|usl isn'l
a hard and fast rule abuul hydroplaning.
The best advice is to slow down when il is raining.
Flowing or rushing water creates strong
forces. If you try to drive through ftowing
water, as you might a1 a low water orossingT
your vehicle can he carried away. As little as
six inches of flowing water can carry away a
smaller vehicle. If this happens, you and other
vehicio ocoupants could drown. Don't ignore
police warning signs, and otherwise he very
cautious about trying to drive through flowing
water.
Driving Through Deep Standing Water Some Other Rainy Weather Tips
Notice: If you drive too quickly through deep
puddles or standing water, water can come in
through your engine's air intake and badiy damage
your engine. Never drive through water that is
slightly lower than the underbody of your vehicle. U
you can't avoid deep puddles or standing water,
drive through them very slowly,
Besides slewing down, allow some evira loilewmg
distance. And be especially careful when you
pass another vehicle. Ailnw yoursell more eJear
room ahead, and be prepafeetto have your
view restricted by road spray
Have good tires with proper tread depth. See Tires
an psgs 5-60.
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