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What should you do when hydroplaning?
Apply brakes immediately
Increase speed
Push in the clutch and let the wheels turn freely
Use the emergency brake
The correct answer is: Push in the clutch and let the wheels turn freely
When experiencing hydroplaning, the best course of action is to push in the clutch and allow the wheels to turn freely. This is because hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between the tires and the road surface, reducing traction. By disengaging the clutch, you effectively allow the wheels to rotate without engine forces acting on them, which helps in regaining control of the vehicle more gradually as you slow down. This technique helps minimize further loss of traction and allows the tires to make better contact with the road as you reduce speed naturally without abrupt inputs that could lead to a skid. It is crucial not to apply the brakes immediately, as doing so can worsen the hydroplaning effect and lead to loss of control. Increasing speed or using the emergency brake are also ineffective and dangerous in this situation, as they can exacerbate the hydroplaning condition and lead to further instability.