What should you do if your vehicle starts to hydroplane?

Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle's tires lose contact with the road due to water or other substances on the surface, and the vehicle can start to slide uncontrollably. In this situation, the most effective response is to steer in the direction you want to go. This allows you to regain control of the vehicle and help it realign with the road surface as you reduce speed naturally.

When you steer towards your intended path, you engage the steering system which can help the tires regain traction on the road as the water disperses. This technique helps you maintain control of the vehicle rather than allowing it to drift sideways, which can lead to losing control and possibly resulting in a crash.

Accelerating or braking hard during hydroplaning can exacerbate the situation, as it may cause the tires to lose even more traction. Instead, easing off the accelerator and steering towards a clear space is a safer strategy. Additionally, turning off the engine would not assist in regaining control of a hydroplaning vehicle, and it could potentially create other risks on the highway.