What is hydroplanning?

Answer 1

Hydroplaning or aquaplaning can occur on standing water - the car tires surf on the water and lose their grip with the road. When a car starts to hydroplane the driver may feel a tug on the steering wheel, the steering will then feel very light (as the tires have no contact with the road).

If ever you find yourself in a hydroplane NEVER attempt to steer or brake as this will cause you to lose control. The only safe way to deal with it is to remove your foot from the accelerator and let the car slow down. As it does the tires will reconnect with the road.