What should you do if you start to hydroplane?

When you start to hydroplane, the correct action is to ease off the accelerator and steer straight. Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between your tires and the road, causing the tires to lose traction. By easing off the accelerator, you allow the vehicle to slow down and regain traction with the road surface. Steering straight helps maintain control of the vehicle, as any sudden movements can lead to oversteering and potentially losing control.

In contrast, braking immediately can exacerbate the situation by causing the wheels to lock up, increasing the likelihood of skidding. Steering quickly left or right is also not advisable, as it can lead to loss of traction and control, making it harder to regain stability. Accelerating to regain control is counterproductive during hydroplaning, as it reduces the contact between the tires and the road, worsening the loss of traction. Therefore, easing off the accelerator and steering straight is the safest approach to re-establish control of the vehicle.