What should you do if your vehicle begins to hydroplane?

When a vehicle begins to hydroplane, it means that water on the road surface has caused the tires to lose contact with the pavement, resulting in a lack of control. The correct response is to ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go.

Easing off the accelerator allows the vehicle to slow down gradually and regain traction with the road surface. Steering in the direction you want to go helps guide the vehicle back onto a stable path without overcorrecting, which can lead to further loss of control. It's important to remain calm and avoid sudden movements or aggressive actions.

Braking suddenly can exacerbate the problem by destabilizing the vehicle and increasing the risk of skidding. Accelerating in an attempt to regain traction is counterproductive because it can cause the vehicle to hydroplane even more. Turning the steering wheel sharply is also dangerous as it can lead to a spin or rollover if the vehicle regains traction abruptly.

Thus, the recommended response during hydroplaning is focused on gentle control to stabilize the vehicle and guide it safely in the desired direction.