What is one action that helps avoid hydroplaning during heavy rain?

Maintaining good tread depth on tires is crucial for preventing hydroplaning during heavy rain. Tread patterns are designed to channel water away from the tire's surface, allowing the rubber to maintain contact with the road. When tires have adequate tread depth, they can more effectively disperse water and enhance grip on wet surfaces. In contrast, worn tires with insufficient tread cannot manage water efficiently, increasing the likelihood of hydroplaning, where the vehicle loses traction and glides on the water's surface rather than making proper contact with the road.

The other options do not contribute to reducing the risk of hydroplaning or even could worsen the situation. For instance, driving at top speed increases the chances of losing control in wet conditions, using cruise control can limit a driver's ability to respond quickly to changing road conditions, and turning off headlights can severely reduce visibility, making it more difficult to navigate safely in heavy rain.