What should you do if your vehicle is hydroplaning?

When your vehicle is hydroplaning, the correct course of action is to ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go. Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between the tires and the road surface, which can cause a loss of traction and control. By gradually releasing the accelerator, you reduce the speed of the vehicle, allowing the tires to regain contact with the road, which helps restore control.

Steering in the direction you want to go is also crucial. This means if you start to slide, you want your steering to align with the direction you are trying to move. This technique helps in managing the vehicle’s direction and can prevent it from spinning out.

Other approaches, such as accelerating, braking sharply, or shifting into neutral, can exacerbate the loss of control. Accelerating may worsen the hydroplaning situation, while braking sharply can lead to skidding. Shifting into neutral may not provide the desired control and can make it harder to steer the vehicle effectively. Therefore, easing off the accelerator and steering is the safest way to regain control while hydroplaning.