Final answer:
Hydroplaning can occur with as little as 1/10 inch of standing water when tires have good tread. It is a dangerous condition that leads to loss of traction, making it critical to maintain tire health for safe driving on wet roads.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hydroplaning is a dangerous condition that can occur while driving on wet roads. It happens when a layer of water builds up between the road surface and the vehicle's tires, leading to a loss of traction that prevents the car from responding to control inputs such as steering, braking, or accelerating.
Hydroplaning can occur in standing water that is as little as ⅛ (one-tenth) of an inch deep for tires with good tread. Good tire tread is essential because the tread patterns are designed to channel water from beneath the tire to improve traction. When the water depth exceeds the tire's ability to displace water, hydroplaning risk increases substantially. This is a critical consideration for safe driving in wet conditions and emphasizes the importance of proper tire maintenance, including regular checking of tread depth and tire pressure.