I aquaplaned today and it was scary.

[gbb]

Possibly an oil spill made worse by the rain? I once had some wheel spin pulling out onto a hill. I thought it was just me being careless in the rain, until it happened again as the slope increased. It got worse and worse as I approached the top, when I met the police car that has been sent to investigate, stuck in a hedge. Getting out of the car there was a strong smell of diesel, and the road surface felt like ice.

Most likely cause IME. The most innocuous manoever can result in a loss of control if there's water and oil in the road. Roundabouts are particularly bad. Had it happen to me before, just normally accelerating from a RA, ooo, instant correction required.
You can predict / anticipate it sometimes, after a hot spell, fresh rain on the road...drive with caution.

 

[Salty seadog]

What was the lesson?

Slow down.

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

Slow down.

Many should learn that lesson. It applies even in dry conditions.

 

[stephec]

Were there any skid marks afterwards?

 

[Jenkins]

<snip>
Torrential rain at 70 and you cannot see the car ahead is pretty bad too...!

Ahem

Slow down.

Why would you be doing 70 in torrential rain anyhow?

 

[Drago]

Were there any skid marks afterwards?

Only on his Y fronts.

 

[Jameshow]

Ahem


Why would you be doing 70 in torrential rain anyhow?

Your driving at 70 and there is a sudden down pour without warning....

 

[Salty seadog]

Worn tyres < 3mm so not clearing water?

Nope.

 

[Salty seadog]

Ahem


Why would you be doing 70 in torrential rain anyhow?

I wasn't, those are not my Words.

 

[Salty seadog]

Only on his Y fronts.

I think you'll find I deliver all my mudslides to your arse girdle. 😎

 

[Jenkins]

I wasn't, those are not my Words.

I was using your lesson learned in response to the poster doing 70 in a downpour. It wasn't a criticism of yourself - sorry if that was the impression given.

 

[Electric_Andy]

Glad you came out unscathed. I'm surprised I have never done it before, but I did only on a bicycle aged 12ish. I hit a huge puddle (lake) on the A38 a while back in my car, totally didn't see it. There was a loud noise of water hitting the wheel arches but I maintained control. The ABS lights were flashing like Billio but apart from that I just slowed down a lot.

 

[Jody]

Aquaplaning is easily dealt with in a FWD car. Just pin the throttle and stay straight.

The only time you have issues is when weight transfers forwards or you are changing direction

 

[Fab Foodie]

Also, Never use Cruise control on RWD cars in heavy rain....