What should you do if your vehicle begins to hydroplane?

When your vehicle begins to hydroplane, the most effective response is to gently steer in the direction you want to go. Hydroplaning occurs when your tires lose contact with the road due to water, causing a loss of traction and control. By steering gently, you allow the vehicle to regain traction without making sudden movements that could destabilize it further.

Maintaining a steady and controlled steering input helps guide the vehicle back onto the road surface as the tires begin to re-establish grip. This action minimizes the risk of skidding or losing control entirely.

In contrast, accelerating to gain control can worsen the situation by increasing speed while traction is compromised, making it harder to regain control. Applying the brakes firmly can also lead to skidding as the wheels may lock up, reducing the chance of recovering from hydroplaning. Similarly, turning the steering wheel sharply can result in oversteering or losing control, as it can easily cause the vehicle to spin or veer off course when traction is lost.