Vehicle handling

While driving in heavy rain, your steering suddenly feels very light. What is most likely happening, and what should you do?

A tyre has burst — brake hard immediately
Your car is aquaplaning — ease off the accelerator and do not brake or steer suddenly
Correct
The power steering has failed — pull the handbrake on
Nothing is wrong — continue at the same speed

Why?

Rule 227 of The Highway Code explains that in heavy rain your tyres can lose contact with the road on a film of water, called aquaplaning, which makes the steering feel light. If this happens, ease off the accelerator gradually and do not brake or steer suddenly until your steering feels normal again.

Highway Code rule 227

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