Hydroplaning or Aquaplaning when a layer of water builds between the rubber tires of the vehicle and the road surface and leads to the loss of traction on the road . Hydroplaning causes the vehicle to stop responding to control inputs such as steering , braking or accelerating . Hydroplaning or aquaplaning by the tires of a road vehicle , aircraft or sometimes roller coaster occurs when a layer of water builds between the rubber tires of the vehicle and the road surface , leading to the loss of traction and thus preventing the vehicle from responding to control inputs such as steering , braking or accelerating .