What is hydroplaning?

Hydroplaning is when the tread on your  wheels cannot  expel all the rain water out from under your tires - or, from under  ever patch of tire that is supposed to be planted  on the  road and providing you with traction. When hydroplaning, those tire patches are riding on a layer of water instead of pavement.

How can I tell if I am hydroplaning?

The back end of your car can feel a tad loose, more so in a high crosswind. The steering may also immediately seem loose or little too easy. The steering wheel jerks suddenly and the vehicle veers toward the puddle. Or, you may be approaching a bend and discover that your vehicle isn’t responding to your steering. On a straight stretch, a slight "wiggle" of the steering wheel can give you immediate detail on whether you are hydroplaning.

What causes hydroplaning?

How deep the pool is
Speed
Weight of the vehicle
Width of the tire
Depth of tread
All tires will hydroplane with the right combination of speed and water depth

What should you do if in this situation?

Do not touches the brakes – slow down by effortlessly lifting your foot from the gas pedal, engage your clutch if you are driving a manual vehicle, and let it coast to the point where the hydroplaning stops. You don't want to make any sudden moves.
You will not be able to turn your wheel while you are hydroplaning, so do not turn your steering wheel but hold it with a strong grip.
Wait until you can feel the road again under your car.  When you are done hydroplaning, it should be nstantaneous and easily felt, like you have returned to pavement.
Keep driving with caution and test the brakes occasionally to ensure that they aren't flooded

How can I prevent hydroplaning?


Ensure that as much of the contact patch on the tire touches the road surface as possible by noticing the tread depth. Tires with little tread give poor traction on wet   pavement. Federal guidelines require 4/32 of an inch on your front tires and no less than 2/32 of an inch on your rear tires. However, studies have shown decreased performance in poor weather when tire tread reaches 5/32 of an inch or less.
Keep your tires at the proper inflation.  A poorly inflated tire hydroplanes at slower speeds, since there is less pressure to push the water out of the way.
Pay attention to the pavement coming up for pools or running water.
Pay attention to the spray being sprayed by the cars in front. If it suddenly increases it’s possible that the car has driven though a patch of water that could make you hydroplane. Also, follow in their tire tracks so your tires don’t have to do as much work.
Check out your tire tracks in the rear-view mirror. You should be able to see obvious tracks on the wet surface behind you, and even see your tread pattern on the pavement for a few seconds before water covers it again. If you can’t find your tracks, slow down.
Keep your speed down in the rain – slow by at least 1/3