Cruise Control and Wet Roads: Debunking the Aquaplaning Myth with Tynan Motors
If you've ever received an alarming chain email or social media post warning against using cruise control in the rain, you're not alone. One such viral story has been circulating for years, warning that using cruise control in wet conditions can cause your vehicle to accelerate uncontrollably and "take off like an airplane." Sounds dramatic, right?
At Tynan Motors, we believe in separating fact from fiction to help our customers drive more safely and confidently. So let’s take a closer look at the cruise control aquaplaning myth—and what drivers really need to know.
🚫 The Viral Claim: Fact or Fiction?
One widely shared story describes a driver hydroplaning on a wet road, supposedly because her cruise control caused the car to accelerate after losing traction. A police officer in the story advises that cruise control should never be used in the rain, warning it will lead to sudden acceleration.
While it's true that cruise control should be avoided in slippery conditions, the reasoning in this story is flawed.
🌧️ What Is Aquaplaning?
Aquaplaning (or hydroplaning) occurs when a layer of water builds between your tyres and the road, causing the tyres to lose contact and traction. It’s more likely to happen:
- At higher speeds
- When tyres are worn or bald
- In heavy rain or standing water
If your tyres can't displace the water quickly enough, they’ll start gliding across the surface—leading to loss of control.
💡 Top Tip from Tynan Motors: Regularly check your tyre tread and replace tyres that are worn below legal depth indicators. Our service team can help.
⚙️ How Cruise Control Actually Works
Cruise control maintains a constant vehicle speed by regulating engine power based on wheel rotation. Here’s what really happens:
- If the wheels begin to spin faster due to lost traction, the cruise control reduces throttle, not increases it.
- The system is automatically deactivated when the brake pedal is pressed—your natural instinct in an emergency.
🚫 So no, cruise control does not cause your car to accelerate during aquaplaning.
✅ When Cruise Control Shouldn’t Be Used
Even though cruise control doesn’t cause aquaplaning, it’s still not safe to use in certain conditions. According to most vehicle manufacturers—and our team at Tynan Motors—you should avoid cruise control in:
- Wet or icy conditions
- Heavy traffic or stop-start driving
- Winding or hilly roads
- Unsealed or uneven surfaces
- Urban or city environments
In these situations, manual speed control gives you faster response time and better vehicle handling.
🚗 Safer Driving with Tynan Motors
The safest way to drive in poor conditions is with your full attention and manual control over acceleration and braking. Cruise control is ideal for:
- Long highway drives
- Dry, straight roads
- Maintaining consistent speeds with minimal traffic
Just make sure you stay alert and ready to brake or adjust as needed.
At Tynan Motors, we offer a wide range of vehicles equipped with adaptive cruise control and driver assistance technologies, helping you stay safe and in control—even when the road gets challenging.
📝 The Final Verdict
✅ True: Don’t use cruise control on wet or slippery roads. ❌ False: Cruise control does not cause aquaplaning or sudden acceleration.
Stay safe, stay informed, and drive with confidence. And if you’re unsure about your vehicle’s cruise control settings or tyre safety, the expert team at Tynan Motors is always here to help.
👋 Ready to Upgrade or Service Your Vehicle?
Visit Tynan Motors for:
- Safety checks and tyre inspections
- The latest models with intelligent cruise control
- Expert advice on safe driving systems and settings
Tynan Motors – Keeping You Safe, Informed, and On the Move.
Ensure you search the Tynan stock through our link here.
Credit: MyNRMA.com.au