What should you do if your tires lose traction on a wet road?

When your tires lose traction on a wet road, the correct response is to steer gently and ease off the gas pedal. This approach helps to stabilize the vehicle and regain traction. When traction is lost, often referred to as "hydroplaning," the tires can no longer maintain grip on the road surface, which can make steering difficult or even impossible.

By gently easing off the accelerator, you reduce the speed of the vehicle gradually, allowing the tires to regain contact with the surface as they can better clear water from their tread. This controlled action helps prevent further loss of control and enables the driver to steer the vehicle more effectively through the skid.

Accelerating during a loss of traction can worsen the situation, as it can lead to a greater loss of control and can exacerbate hydroplaning. Braking sharply might cause the vehicle to skid further out of control, especially on slippery surfaces. Similarly, relying solely on the anti-lock braking system without taking other necessary actions can be detrimental because while anti-lock brakes prevent the wheels from locking up during a hard brake, they do not aid in regaining traction nor do they address steering control during a loss of traction.