What should you do if your vehicle begins to hydroplane?

When a vehicle begins to hydroplane, it is essential to ease off the gas and steer straight. Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between the tires and the road surface, leading to a loss of traction. By easing off the accelerator, you allow the car to regain some contact with the road without causing further loss of control that can occur with abrupt movements.

Steering straight helps to maintain control of the vehicle, as turning the wheel can exacerbate the situation and lead to skidding or spinning out. This approach minimizes the risk of further losing traction and enables the tires to make better contact with the surface as the vehicle slows down.

In contrast, accelerating or braking hard can worsen hydroplaning, as these actions can shift the vehicle's weight or challenge the already tenuous grip on the wet road. Steering in the opposite direction of the slide can also be dangerous, as it might cause an unexpected and severe loss of control. Thus, easing off the gas and keeping the steering wheel steady is the recommended course of action when encountering hydroplaning.