If you must drive through deep puddles or flowing water, what action can help maintain brake functionality?

When driving through deep puddles or flowing water, gently applying the brakes while navigating through these areas helps maintain brake functionality because it aids in drying out the brake components as you emerge from the water. When brakes are submerged, water can interfere with their effectiveness, and gentle application allows for a gradual exertion of pressure that helps to clear any water and prevent the brakes from becoming overly wet and slippery.

This technique also helps ensure that the brakes remain responsive once you exit the water and need to stop or slow down. It is important to avoid continuously applying the brakes, as this can lead to overheating or loss of braking power due to excessive moisture. Removing your foot from the accelerator does not actively assist in maintaining brake functionality. Additionally, swerving dramatically can create instability in the vehicle and increases the risk of losing control rather than helping to maintain brake performance.