Hydroplaning in Rain
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 1
Likes: 1
C300
Hydroplaning in Rain
I totaled a 2017 C300 RWD Sedan last year. I was driving in moderate rain and the vehicle lost traction, began hydroplaning, ESP did not engage and I hit a concrete barrier. The insurance totaled the car. I informed MB that I had never hydroplaned or aquaplaned before in my life and that I believed the ESP was at fault. MB sent a factory rep to inspect the vehicle, who stated the wreck was my fault. I have owned multiple brands of luxury vehicles and have over 35 year's experience driving in the snow and rain with a spotless safety record. To be safe, I replaced the car with a 2018 C300 4Matic Sedan. Today driving in the rain, I hydroplaned in the 4Matic car. The ESP did not engage. But after sliding, the factory runflat tires provided the needed grip and I did not wreck thankfully. Both vehicles are/were non-sports with 18 inch wheels and I reside in the US. I am very interested in hearing from anyone who has experienced similar hydroplaning issues. I no longer feel safe driving this car in the rain.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 64
Likes: 15
C300
Hydroplaning occurs when a tire encounters more water than it can scatter. Water pressure in the front of the wheel pushes water under the tire, and the tire is then separated from the road surface by a thin film of water and loses traction. The result is loss of steering, braking and power control.
When your tire is no longer in contact with the road no traction control program will help you, ESP cannot suspend the laws of physics. To prevent hydroplaning lift your right foot.
If you would like to rid yourself of this obviously dangerous car, you can dm me and I'll take it off your hands.
When your tire is no longer in contact with the road no traction control program will help you, ESP cannot suspend the laws of physics. To prevent hydroplaning lift your right foot.
If you would like to rid yourself of this obviously dangerous car, you can dm me and I'll take it off your hands.
Last edited by Pope_RW; May 12, 2019 at 09:12 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: New Orleans Area
2015 E400 Sedan
Check tire tread depth....
skinnier tires hydroplane less as do new ones with lots of tread to move water...
ONce tires lose contat as stated above no traction control will ever work as they have nothing to act against... so car moves until tires bite again...
skinnier tires hydroplane less as do new ones with lots of tread to move water...
ONce tires lose contat as stated above no traction control will ever work as they have nothing to act against... so car moves until tires bite again...
Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 77
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From: Norcal
2015 C300 4MATIC / 2017 C43 AMG
A thread on hydroplaning with no mention of speed or tires... I’m sorry that this happened, am glad you are well, but I would focus on those 2 key factors prior to shifting focus to a car manufacturer..
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Joined: Sep 2018
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From: Canada
2022 EQS 580 4MATIC Sedan, 2010 C-Class C350 4MATIC
Sell the car and get a Honda Fit, you’ll do everyone on the road a favor.
Super Member
Joined: May 2016
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From: California
2018 C300
Sounds like a standard seat to steering wheel interface error. Best to remove the faulty component and replace it with one that meets the performance standards required for routine operation.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 11
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C300 blutec AMG Sport
Having the same issue.
owned my C300 AMG sport since (5 years) never a problem until this year.
now even on damp roads, the car gets a kick out even at low speeds 40 Kph if a concrete road. No traction lights come on.
worse on concrete roads.
never had the problem before, so for sure a change in the car.
im burning through rear tyres too in the last 3 months only. Tried P-zero RF, Michelin’s RF, conti RF and now on P-zero normal tyres.
had the rear sway arms changed, suspension checked, tracking etc... all now ok, but problem still occurs.
its not my driving as others feel the same when driving my car.
owned my C300 AMG sport since (5 years) never a problem until this year.
now even on damp roads, the car gets a kick out even at low speeds 40 Kph if a concrete road. No traction lights come on.
worse on concrete roads.
never had the problem before, so for sure a change in the car.
im burning through rear tyres too in the last 3 months only. Tried P-zero RF, Michelin’s RF, conti RF and now on P-zero normal tyres.
had the rear sway arms changed, suspension checked, tracking etc... all now ok, but problem still occurs.
its not my driving as others feel the same when driving my car.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 64
Likes: 15
C300
Hydroplaning is all speed and tires, once you exceed the tire's ability to move water you will hydroplane. The vehicle the tires are mounted to have little to do with it, unless you have some major suspension issues.
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C300 blutec AMG Sport
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2021 E450, 2020 C43, 2015 C300, 2007 C280
(SCROLL DOWN BELOW THE AD FOR MY COMMENT)
This firm has competitors. Find them and compare. Before betting your money and, maybe, the lives of you and your family, do a lot of due diligence. Look for reviews (if any) and complaints, not just in Mercedes blogs, but also in Bimmerforums, etc. Note: I haven't used the parts myself!
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2016 Mercedes C300
I totaled a 2017 C300 RWD Sedan last year. I was driving in moderate rain and the vehicle lost traction, began hydroplaning, ESP did not engage and I hit a concrete barrier. The insurance totaled the car. I informed MB that I had never hydroplaned or aquaplaned before in my life and that I believed the ESP was at fault. MB sent a factory rep to inspect the vehicle, who stated the wreck was my fault. I have owned multiple brands of luxury vehicles and have over 35 year's experience driving in the snow and rain with a spotless safety record. To be safe, I replaced the car with a 2018 C300 4Matic Sedan. Today driving in the rain, I hydroplaned in the 4Matic car. The ESP did not engage. But after sliding, the factory runflat tires provided the needed grip and I did not wreck thankfully. Both vehicles are/were non-sports with 18 inch wheels and I reside in the US. I am very interested in hearing from anyone who has experienced similar hydroplaning issues. I no longer feel safe driving this car in the rain.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 188
From: Toronto
2022 E53 AMG
The tire thread can do a good job displacing water however if your speed is to fast for the displacement and the rain is coming down harder at points, the tires can loose contact with the road. The best thing is to slow down and take into consideration the weather or a large puddle of water you may have to drive through.
Last edited by Cosworth2000; Feb 20, 2024 at 10:34 AM.
