What is the primary way to prevent hydroplaning?

The primary method to prevent hydroplaning is by reducing speed during rainfall. When driving in wet conditions, water can accumulate between the tires and the roadway, causing a loss of traction. This phenomenon is known as hydroplaning. By reducing speed, drivers can allow their tires to maintain better contact with the road surface, ensuring that water is displaced effectively, and helping to maintain control over the vehicle.

While having new tires is beneficial for overall traction and stopping ability, the tread design and depth are factors that can help mitigate hydroplaning. However, if a driver is going too fast, new tires alone won't prevent hydroplaning since high speed can still lead to water buildup under the tires. Driving carefully on wet surfaces is important but doesn’t have the same direct impact as speed reduction in terms of preventing hydroplaning. Using cruise control in wet conditions is not advisable, as it can lead to unintended acceleration in slick situations, contributing to a loss of control. Reducing speed is the most effective and straightforward strategy to avoid this dangerous condition.