What is hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle's tires lose traction on wet surfaces and instead of the tires contacting the road grip, they ride on a layer of water. This phenomenon typically happens when there is a significant amount of water on the roadway, and the vehicle is moving at a speed that does not allow the tires to disperse the water effectively. When hydroplaning occurs, the driver may experience a lack of steering and braking control, as the tires are no longer in direct contact with the road surface.

Understanding hydroplaning is crucial for safe driving, especially in wet conditions. Drivers should be aware of the conditions that can lead to hydroplaning and how to mitigate the risks, such as reducing speed in heavy rain or avoiding sudden steering movements, which can exacerbate the loss of traction.