What should you do if your vehicle starts to hydroplane?

When your vehicle begins to hydroplane, the correct response is to steer in the direction you want to go. Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds between the tires of your vehicle and the road surface, leading to a loss of traction. By steering towards your desired path, you can help regain control of the vehicle.

Maintaining a firm but gentle grip on the steering wheel while steering in the direction you intend to travel allows the vehicle to straighten out and regain traction as it clears the water. This action helps prevent skidding or spinning out of control.

Accelerating to regain traction is not advisable, as it can further increase the risk of losing control. Braking immediately can exacerbate the hydroplaning situation by shifting weight and causing the tires to lose even more grip. Turning off the ignition is also not a safe choice, as it would disable critical functions of the vehicle, making it even harder to maneuver safely. Thus, steering towards your intended direction is the most effective strategy when faced with hydroplaning conditions.