What is hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle's tires lose contact with the road surface due to a layer of water. This phenomenon typically takes place when there is a significant amount of water on the road, and the tires are unable to disperse the water quickly enough. As a result, the tires ride on top of the water rather than on the pavement, which can lead to a loss of steering control and stopping power. Understanding hydroplaning is crucial for safe driving in wet conditions, as it emphasizes the importance of reducing speed and maintaining proper tire maintenance to ensure adequate tread depth for effective water displacement.