Resistance to Hydroplaning

[Mrcook4590]

We have been getting a lot of rain lately, and I have noticed that our X (seven seat configuration) does not hydroplane where my old extended Navigator used to. Have you all noticed the same? I wonder if it is due to the change in weight distribution. One more reason to love my X! <3

 

[cgiGuy]

You used to regularly hydroplane? That's terrifying.

 

[BigMskiman]

2016/2017 California had a record winter, and I pressed it in rain & snow. Really love my X in weather also! What's yer wheels?
(mine 20" Conti-cross contact)

 

[Mrcook4590]

You used to regularly hydroplane? That's terrifying.

Only on a certain spot in the road.

 

[Mrcook4590]

2016/2017 California had a record winter, and I pressed it in rain & snow. Really love my X in weather also! What's yer wheels?
(mine 20" Conti-cross contact)

20" They're whatever came on it. We just got it right before Easter. My husband has an S, but I haven't driven his in these conditions.

 

[Yinn]

We have been getting a lot of rain lately, and I have noticed that our X (seven seat configuration) does not hydroplane where my old extended Navigator used to. Have you all noticed the same? I wonder if it is due to the change in weight distribution. One more reason to love my X! <3

I have noticed the X does really well in wet weather but I'm not quite sure why. Might just be the tires, I'm on 20" stockers as well.

 

[vandacca]

I think the Model-X is about the same weight as a Lincoln Navigator (under 6000lbs), so I don't think weight plays a part.

It may have to do with the advanced Traction control of the Model-X which also makes it a great vehicle in icy/snowy conditions.

 

[retinaguy]

I've also had a good experience in the rain without hydroplaning. At one spot there was a stream that overflowed the span of road and I raised the car and drove through the moving water without a problem.

 

[polymathic]

I've had exceptional rain performance as well, even in torrential storms. Between the weight and traction, you barely notice a change in traction on the wind. Snow performance is excellent as well.

 

[Doug_G]

That's all on the tires.

If your old vehicle's tires were worn, the lower tread depth will make the car more prone to hydroplaning. The whole purpose of tread is to channel water away from under the tires.

 

[182RG]

I think the Model-X is about the same weight as a Lincoln Navigator (under 6000lbs), so I don't think weight plays a part.

New car, new tires. Weight has nothing to do with it. Water is almost incompressible. It's all about channeling the water through the tread.

 

[Mrcook4590]

I don't think it has anything to do with the tires. Even with new tires on the Navigator, it hydroplaned at this certain spot. The X just powers through like there is no water on the road.

 

[MXFan]

The X just powers through like there is no water on the road.

Did you have the X in 007 mode?

 

[Mrcook4590]

Did you have the X in 007 mode?

Shhhhh.... keeping that on the down low...

 

[LargeHamCollider]

Hydroplaning speed is proportional to the square root of tire pressure (assuming like tread design) MX probably rolls at higher pressure than your old SUV.