I have a 2014 CX-9 GT FWD with about 92k miles. Wondering if the GT with 20” wheels is known for hydroplaning issues in not much water on the road. My tires have about 10k miles or so left on the tread. Would replacing tires solve this substantially? What tires are recommended?

 

Slowdown in adverse wet weather operation is the best way to reduce and or prevent Hydroplaning. example if the speed limit is 55 in wet and windy heavy rain weather go 45mpg save a life like yours.
Statistically speaking over 95% of drivers exceed their driving abilities to safely drive with speeds above 60mph. Any one can drive straight and constant but when presented with a
Check you tire pressure and adjust as per the recommendation set in the driver's door jam.

Fine a vacant and very large industrial paring area and on a rainy day when the facility is closed and no vehicle go practice sliding around on the wet tarmac to learn to drive in wet weather conditions.

 

That’s great advice and thank you. I didn’t point out that it’s happened mainly when there are huge heavy downpours, which makes sense. I was driving yesterday going about 30 in a 55 behind a few other cars. Visibility was low and my following distance was maximized. I noticed the wheel pull mainly in the tracks of other cars ahead of me. Perhaps that water moves more rapidly to fill the areas where water was displaced. In any event, I know I’ll need new tires soon and will start searching for a good brand and model for my wheel size. I like the idea of testing out the hydroplaning in an open area devoid of any people and other things. Want to be safe. Thanks again!

 

I have found wet traction to reduce significantly at the end of the tire's life. Looks like it may be time to go shopping.

 

Than the basic rule often not seen is in perfect weather 1 full car length per 10 mph, increase as weather conditions change. Hydroplaning is not all about it raining as effect more the condition of wet tarmac. This goes back to simply slowing down.
Just be careful and remember where ever you go driving slower in adverse weather means a higher chance to arrive intact.
I have hydroplaned a few times in my life once was only going 35mph, unfortunately it lifted my B2000 and turned it sideways over into the oncoming traffic lane at the same time in opposing car did the same thing, he claimed his speed was 35mph so that was a 70mph impact. Both our vehicles were destroyed and I broke my middle figure. That was great I had a excuse to flip anyone off and not be obvious for about 2 months. LOL

^^^^ excellent response^^^

 

All awesome advice. Thanks so much. Looking into Continentals and Michelins but they certainly aren’t cheap. I’ll hunt around for tires.

 

My MAZDA

 

Hydroplaning is reduced by deeper tire tread (newer tires), more tire inflation pressure (keep the tires inflated to the cold inflation pressure shown on the placard on the driver's door jam), reduced speed.

The ability for the tire to drain water away and prevent hydroplaning is dependent on both the tread pattern and especially the remaining depth of the tread grooves. There is no inflection point, it's pretty much a straight reduction from new to bald. The legal limit of tread depth in most areas is 2/32" which is not much at all in deep water. Buying new tires at about the 4/32" tread depth may be wise.

Tirerack.com is both a good place to buy tires and a very useful source of tire information. Their Tire Decision Guide lets one pick the tire characteristics that are most important to that driver. In this case Wet Traction is most important, and other attributes can be added in descending order. Tire Decision Guide

 

Great information you found... .
You must be like me and have several; specific tire tread depth measuring tools and none are a penny! When I can't find which tool box I stored my real gauge in I use a 20 dollar bill!
I should add that I LOVE Tirerack but keep in mind that unless you see an exact review and road test on your exact vehicle the test results must be viewed as generalities.

 

I love the advice and feedback given by all here. Super helpful and much appreciated. Tire Rack recommended the Continental Cross Contact LX25 which seems to pop up a lot as a recommendation by purchasers and reviewers. Price isn’t terrible either and what I expect to pay for a decent tire. I’ll keep comparing but this tool helped a lot in narrowing things. Wet Traction is indeed most important to me while winter traction may be secondary for me having FWD.