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From Weekly ON SITE MECHANIC
Urban Legend
Article can be found here
Q--Recently, someone sent the following story over the Internet and I was wondering if there is any merit behind the warning about using cruise control in wet or icy conditions?
"Please read this, it could save your life! A 36-year-old female had an accident several weeks ago and totaled her car. A resident of Kilgore, Texas, she was traveling between Gladewater and Kilgore. It was raining, though not excessive, when her car suddenly began to hydroplane and literally flew through the air. She was not seriously injured but very stunned at the sudden occurrence! When she explained to the highway patrolman what had happened he told her something that every driver should know - never drive in the rain with your cruise control on! She had thought she was being cautious by setting the cruise control and maintaining a safe consistent speed in the rain. But the highway patrolman told her that if the cruise control is on and your car begins to hydroplane - when your tires lose contact with the pavement your car will accelerate to a higher rate of speed and you take off like an airplane…."
A--We, too, have gotten this email. Although your car will not take off like an airplane, your wheels could lose traction. At high speeds, the water builds up in front of the tire. But, the tread grooves are there to channel it away allowing the rubber tread blocks to remain in contact with the pavement. When the water is deep and your speed excessive, your car will actually ride on a film of water - especially if your tires are worn
Honestly, you should never use cruise control when driving conditions are not perfect. You have much better control if you apply you own senses when driving