What do you do if your vehicle starts to hydroplane?

When a vehicle begins to hydroplane, it means that the tires are losing contact with the road due to water accumulation, which can lead to a dangerous loss of control. The correct response in this situation is to ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go. This approach allows the vehicle to regain traction gradually. By reducing speed, you minimize the chances of further hydroplaning, while steering towards your intended path helps you maintain control over the vehicle.

The technique of easing off the accelerator is crucial because sudden acceleration or braking can worsen the situation by destabilizing the vehicle. Steering gently allows the driver to guide the vehicle rather than overreacting, which can lead to skidding or a complete loss of control.

Attempting to stop immediately can lead to skidding, as sudden braking can make the tires lose even more traction. Applying the brakes hard is also ill-advised, as it can cause the wheels to lock up and further increase the risk of losing steering control. Turning off the engine is unnecessary and may be hazardous, as you'd lose the ability to control steering and brakes. Thus, the recommended action when hydroplaning is to ease off the accelerator and steer in the desired direction for safety.