What action should you take if your vehicle begins to hydroplane?

When your vehicle begins to hydroplane, the appropriate action is to ease off the accelerator and steer straight. Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water on the road prevents the tires from making contact with the surface, which can cause a loss of traction. By easing off the accelerator, you allow the tires to regain contact with the road as the vehicle slows down, thus reducing the risk of losing control. Steering straight helps maintain stability and direction, preventing further loss of traction.

Turning the steering wheel sharply can lead to oversteering, which may result in losing control of the vehicle, while applying the brakes firmly can cause the vehicle to skid since the tires might not be making proper contact with the road. Accelerating in an attempt to regain traction is counterproductive, as it can worsen the hydroplaning situation by increasing speed on a slippery surface. The key to managing hydroplaning is to remain calm, avoid sudden movements, and gently ease off the accelerator while steering straight.