What should you do to reduce the risk of hydroplaning?

Maintaining good tire tread and reducing speed in wet conditions is essential for minimizing the risk of hydroplaning because the condition occurs when a layer of water builds up between the tires and the road surface, causing a loss of traction.

Good tire tread helps in efficiently channeling water away from the tire's contact area with the road, which improves grip. Tires with adequate tread depth are more capable of dispersing water and maintaining contact with the road. Additionally, reducing speed allows for better vehicle control and gives tires more time to respond to changes in the road surface. When traveling at lower speeds, the likelihood of the tires losing contact with the road due to water buildup is significantly diminished.

Driving at high speeds would increase the chances of hydroplaning because the vehicle could exceed the tire's ability to maintain grip in wet conditions. Aggressive braking can also lead to a loss of control, especially on slick surfaces, as it can upset the vehicle's balance. Frequent changes of vehicles do not address the issue of road and tire interaction in wet weather conditions. Therefore, proper tire maintenance combined with adjusted driving speed is the most effective way to prevent hydroplaning.