Here's a link to a very informative web page on the effects of tire pressure on hydroplaning resistance. Since the OEM Bridgestone SO2 tire has a bad reputation for hydroplaning sensitivity, I thought this would be relevent information for our group.

In brief, even modestly lower tire pressures (25 psi in a tire designed to be used at 35 psi) can significantly reduce hydroplaning resistance. I suspect that as our tire wears, and it loses water-evacuation capabilities, maintenance of correct tire pressure becomes even more important.

 

The pilot on my plane ride home last night (as we landed in the remnants of Jeanne) mentioned that the speed at which a tire hydroplanes can be measured as:

Nine times the square root of your tire pressure.
(9 x Square of tire pressure)

So, check your tire pressure and keep it up to spec!

 

While that formula is generally true, it is more appropriate for aviation tires with a rounded cross section. Automotive tires have much more stiffness in the sidewall (relative to vehicle weight) and a more square profile.

 

Interesting, I've learned something new today! Thanks for all of the useful info (especially with all this rain coming up the East coast).

 

Yes, this is good stuff!