What is hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle loses traction on wet roads due to a layer of water between the tires and the roadway surface. This phenomenon happens when the vehicle is traveling at a speed that exceeds the tire's ability to push out the water. When hydroplaning occurs, the tires can no longer effectively grip the road, leading to a loss of control and the potential for skidding.

In contrast, the other options refer to different concepts. The first choice mentions high speeds on dry roads, which does not relate to hydroplaning as it specifically pertains to wet conditions. The second option implies a technique for improving vehicle handling on slippery surfaces but does not accurately describe the loss of traction itself. The last choice incorrectly associates hydroplaning with engine overheating, which is unrelated to tire performance on wet surfaces. Understanding that hydroplaning fundamentally involves losing traction due to water is essential for safe driving, particularly in wet weather conditions.