Hydroplanning is defined as the tire losing contact with the surface due to standing water. Which statement best describes this condition?

• A. A loss of contact caused by oil slick
• B. The tire loses contact with the surface because of standing water
• C. A tire tread wearing out rapidly
• D. The tire overheating at high speed

Answer: (B)

Hydroplaning happens when a film of water builds up under the tire enough to lift the tire off the runway, so the tread isn’t actually in contact with the surface and you lose traction. The statement describing the tire losing contact because of standing water captures this loss of contact caused by a water film, which is what hydroplaning is. Oil slick would change friction but doesn’t create the tire riding on a water layer; rapid tread wear and overheating describe different tire problems that aren’t about a water film reducing contact.