What is one factor that can increase the risk of hydroplaning?

Worn-out tires significantly increase the risk of hydroplaning because they have reduced tread depth, which is critical for channeling water away from the tire's surface. When tires are worn, they cannot effectively maintain proper contact with the road when driving over wet surfaces. This lack of grip can cause the tires to lose traction and glide over the water instead of making direct contact with the road, leading to hydroplaning.

In contrast, well-maintained tires are designed to prevent such occurrences by providing better traction and water dispersion. Heavy snowfall can affect road conditions, but it does not directly relate to the mechanics of hydroplaning like tire condition does. Similarly, low-speed driving generally reduces the likelihood of hydroplaning, as the risk increases with higher speeds when encountering standing water on the roadway. Thus, the condition of the tires is a key factor in determining the risk of hydroplaning.