In heavy rainfall, at what speed do most cars begin to lose traction and hydroplane?

In heavy rainfall, vehicles can start to lose traction and hydroplane at speeds around 35-55 mph. This range is important to understand, as hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between the tires and the road, preventing the tires from making direct contact with the surface. As speed increases, so does the likelihood of this layer forming, especially if the road is slick or has pooling water.

At speeds below this range, vehicles maintain better contact with the road, allowing for more effective steering and braking. Conversely, at speeds higher than 55 mph, the risks increase significantly as the vehicle's tires may not be able to disperse water quickly enough, resulting in a greater chance of losing control. Thus, understanding this speed range helps drivers make safer choices in adverse weather conditions.