What is hydroplaning and how can you prevent it?

• A. Hydroplaning occurs when water causes tires to lose contact with pavement; reduce speed, avoid sudden steering, and ensure proper tire tread.
• B. Hydroplaning increases traction on wet roads.
• C. Hydroplaning occurs only on dry roads at high speeds.
• D. Hydroplaning is a myth; ignore weather conditions.

Answer: (A)

Hydroplaning is when a layer of water gets between the tire and the road, so the tire loses contact with the pavement and can’t grip or steer effectively. This happens when there isn’t enough tire depth or traction to push water out from under the tire, especially on wet surfaces or in standing water, and it can happen even at modest speeds.

To prevent it, slow down on wet roads, avoid abrupt steering, braking, or acceleration, and maintain good tire condition with adequate tread depth and proper inflation so the tires can channel water away. Increase following distance so you have more time to react and, when possible, stay in the parts of the road where water has already been displaced by other vehicles. If you do start to hydroplane, ease off the accelerator, keep the steering steady, and avoid hard braking until traction returns, then brake gently.