What should you do if your vehicle begins to hydroplane?

When your vehicle begins to hydroplane, the best course of action is to ease off the gas and steer straight. Hydroplaning occurs when your tires lose contact with the road due to a layer of water, causing them to ride on the surface of the water instead of gripping the pavement. By easing off the gas, you reduce the speed of the vehicle, allowing the tires to regain traction as they make contact with the road again.

Steering straight helps maintain control of the vehicle during this unsettling situation. Sharp or sudden steering maneuvers can make the situation worse, potentially leading to a skid or loss of control. Instead, a gentle and steady approach gives the driver a better chance to stabilize the vehicle as it transitions back to having solid contact with the road.

Other actions, such as accelerating quickly or braking hard, can exacerbate the loss of control. Similarly, turning the steering wheel sharply could result in a spin or further hydroplaning, making the situation more dangerous. Therefore, easing off the gas and steering straight is the most effective and safest response to hydroplaning.