Study for the Utah CDL General Knowledge Test. Prepare with multiple choice questions and explanations for each answer. Get ready for your exam!

Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle's tires lose contact with the road surface due to a layer of water between the tires and the pavement. This phenomenon is significantly influenced by tire condition, vehicle speed, and road surface.

When tire pressure is low, tires tend to have a larger contact patch with the road surface, which may seem beneficial. However, this condition actually increases the likelihood of hydroplaning because the tread depth becomes less effective at channeling water away from the tire. Tires with low pressure are also more prone to flexing excessively, making it harder for them to maintain adequate contact with the road when conditions are wet. Thus, the correct answer highlights that lower tire pressure increases the risk of hydroplaning.

In contrast, when tire pressure is appropriately inflated, it helps maintain the tire's shape and ensures an effective contact patch, improving traction and reducing the risk of hydroplaning. Driving on dry roads or at lower speeds generally reduces the chances of hydroplaning because there is less water for tires to slip upon.