Is it safe to drive in the rain with cruise control on?

This is an absolute no-brainer. The only answer to this question is a resounding NO. If you happen to be driving in the rain, you should always disable cruise control. This is simply because if you happen to be able to make a hydroplane, cruise control will only make things worse. Here are the facts.

• Cruise control is very useful on long trips, but when it starts to rain, there are certain dangers you need to worry about. Rain can mix with grease and oil on the road, and of course the grease rises. This makes the surface slippery, and if your tires can't handle the water effectively, you hydroplan.

• You don't need to fly fast in a hydroplane - just 35 miles per hour is enough. It is important to slow down when driving conditions are less than ideal. If people walk past you in blinding rain, just let them do it.

• Cruise control maintains a constant vehicle speed. Of course, you can turn it off by applying the brakes, but if you slow down while hydroplaning, you will get into a terrible skid.

So here's what you need to do. If you're driving in the rain, always, always turn off cruise control. And slow down. If you start aquaplaning, release the throttle, hold the steering wheel with both hands, and steer in the direction of the skid. Once you regain control, you can stop for a bit to orient yourself and regroup.