If you skid while hydroplaning, what should you do?

When you experience hydroplaning, the most important action to take is to release the accelerator. Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water on the road causes your vehicle's tires to lose contact with the pavement, resulting in a loss of traction. By easing off the accelerator, you reduce the speed of the wheels and allow the tires to regain contact with the road surface. This helps you to regain control of the vehicle.

In contrast, applying the brakes firmly can lead to further loss of control, as it may cause the wheels to lock up. Steering sharply in the opposite direction can also exacerbate the situation by causing oversteer or loss of control. Increasing your speed is the opposite of what is needed during hydroplaning, as it further reduces tire traction and increases the risk of losing control. Overall, the best practice in a hydroplaning situation is to gently release the accelerator to facilitate regaining traction.