What should you do if your vehicle starts to hydroplane?

What should you do if your vehicle starts to hydroplane?

• A. Take your foot off the accelerator and do not brake
• B. Brake hard
• C. Steer into oncoming traffic
• D. Accelerate to regain traction

Answer: (A)

Hydroplaning happens when a layer of water builds between your tires and the road, so you lose traction and your steering or brakes may feel unresponsive. The safest immediate move is to lift off the accelerator and avoid braking. Taking your foot off the gas slows the car naturally and helps the tires reconnect with the road surface, while braking hard can cause you to skid or lose more control. Steering during hydroplaning should be gentle and kept mostly straight to prevent overcorrection. Once you feel the tires grip the road again, you can ease back into braking and slow down gradually. To reduce the risk in wet conditions, slow down, increase following distance, and keep tires in good condition with proper tread.

Hydroplaning happens when a layer of water builds between your tires and the road, so you lose traction and your steering or brakes may feel unresponsive. The safest immediate move is to lift off the accelerator and avoid braking. Taking your foot off the gas slows the car naturally and helps the tires reconnect with the road surface, while braking hard can cause you to skid or lose more control. Steering during hydroplaning should be gentle and kept mostly straight to prevent overcorrection. Once you feel the tires grip the road again, you can ease back into braking and slow down gradually. To reduce the risk in wet conditions, slow down, increase following distance, and keep tires in good condition with proper tread.