In rain, to avoid hydroplaning, what should you do?

• A. Slow down, increase following distance, avoid sudden maneuvers, ensure tires have proper tread.
• B. Speed up to pass puddles quickly.
• C. Brake hard in standing water.
• D. Use cruise control.

Answer: (C)

Hydroplaning happens when a layer of water builds between the tire and the road, cutting into traction. The best way to avoid it is to slow down and drive more smoothly in wet conditions. Reducing speed gives your tires more time to push water aside and maintain contact with the road. Increasing the following distance gives you room to react if the road is slick. Avoid sudden braking, acceleration, or steering, because abrupt actions can break traction and make hydroplaning worse. Having tires with good tread helps channels water away so the tires can grip the road better.

So the recommended approach is to reduce speed, leave more room behind other vehicles, and drive with smooth inputs while ensuring your tires have proper tread. Speeding up through puddles raises the risk of hydroplaning, braking hard in standing water can lock wheels and worsen loss of control, and cruise control reduces your ability to respond quickly to changing wet conditions. If you do feel the car starting to hydroplane, ease off the accelerator and steer gently in the direction you want to go.