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If you find yourself losing traction on the road, understanding how to safely regain control of your vehicle is crucial. This knowledge can prevent expensive repairs and potentially save lives. There are two primary types of skids that drivers face: rear wheel (commonly known as 'fishtailing') and front wheel (referred to as 'plowing'). While the behavior of your vehicle during a skid may be unpredictable, the solution remains similar regardless of the circumstances. Keep your feet off the pedals, align the wheels with your intended direction of travel, and allow the vehicle to naturally slow down until traction is restored and you regain control.
Key Steps
Correcting a Rear Wheel Skid
Recognize a rear wheel skid. This type of skid, commonly known as “fishtailing,” occurs when the front wheels lock up and the rear wheels lose traction, causing the vehicle to spin. These skids are most prevalent in wet or icy conditions, or on surfaces with loose sand or dust that hinder tire grip.
- To anticipate a fishtail, pay attention to instances where your vehicle seems to be turning more sharply than your steering input.
- Exercise caution when navigating curves at high speeds, particularly in icy or wet conditions.
How to React When Losing Traction
Lift your foot off the accelerator or brake. When you feel your vehicle sliding, release both pedals immediately and concentrate on steering. Avoid the temptation to slam on the brakes or accelerate out of the skid—sudden actions usually worsen traction loss.
- Braking is a natural reflex, but practicing controlled skidding in a safe environment (like an empty icy lot) can help you handle unexpected slides calmly.
- For motorcycle riders, ease off the throttle until you've safely navigated the skid.
Steer towards your intended direction. Contrary to old advice, turning into a skid increases unpredictability. By keeping your wheels aligned with your desired path, you'll regain control more effectively once traction is restored.
- If you spin and lose your bearings, keep the steering wheel steady. It should return close to its original position.
- Avoid jerking your head in any direction, as it can disorient you further.
Allow the vehicle to naturally decelerate. Maintain a steady grip on the wheel and keep your feet off the pedals until the tires regain traction. The vehicle's weight will eventually stabilize it and counteract the slide's momentum. Then, gently accelerate to resume forward motion.
- On vehicles with manual transmissions, pressing the clutch can help mitigate a skid by disengaging the engine's power.
- Rough surfaces like gravel may aid in quicker deceleration due to increased friction.
Avoid excessive steering corrections. Once you regain control, ease off the steering input promptly. Overcorrecting may cause the vehicle to fishtail in the opposite direction. Regain your bearings, align your wheels with the road, and maintain a steady course.
- Using gentle steering adjustments ensures maximum tire grip.
Recognize a front wheel skid promptly. Front wheel skids, also known as “plowing,” occur when you attempt to turn, but your vehicle continues moving straight ahead. These skids are common on icy, winding roads with minimal traction.
- If you notice your vehicle failing to respond to steering inputs, you may be experiencing a front wheel skid.
Apply the brakes gently. Even in a front wheel skid, your rear tires may still have some grip. Braking can help slow down the vehicle, making it easier to correct the skid or reduce the impact of a potential accident.
- Braking shifts weight back over the front wheels, increasing friction and aiding traction.
- If your vehicle lacks anti-lock brakes, gently pump the brakes to prevent them from locking up.
Steer towards your intended direction of travel. Maintain your course while attempting to slow down. Focus straight ahead and use your peripheral vision to guide your path.
- Front wheel skid accidents often occur while navigating curves, so deviating from your intended path could be dangerous.
- If your vehicle veers off-road, aim for the nearest open space—a flat grass patch, shoulder, or empty lane is ideal.
- Motorcycle riders should follow the front wheel's direction in case of traction loss.
Keep the steering wheel steady. Since front wheel skids result from loss of traction in the front tires, attempting to steer out of the skid is futile. Maintain a firm grip on the wheel without attempting to change direction—doing so could lead to another skid after regaining control.
- Only make minor steering adjustments, unless avoiding an obstacle.
Gradually resume driving in a controlled manner. Proceed slowly and steadily, avoiding abrupt steering movements. Only accelerate once traction is fully restored. Exercise caution and maintain a moderate speed, remaining vigilant for potential hazards on the road.
- Stay alert for road hazards until you reach your destination.
- If in a precarious situation, such as near an embankment, consider stopping the vehicle and engaging the emergency brake.
Preventing Skids
Decelerate before entering a turn. Initiate braking early to allow for a smooth, controlled maneuver through the turn. This precaution is particularly crucial on sharp bends or roads with snow or standing water. Waiting until you're already in the turn to reduce speed will leave you with insufficient time to react.
- Even a slight reduction in speed, such as 5 or 10 mph (8 or 20 km/h), can significantly shorten your stopping distance in case of a skid.
- To minimize the risk of hydroplaning in heavy rain, attempt to keep your tires within the tracks of the vehicle ahead.
Practice cautious driving. Adjust your driving behavior accordingly when faced with adverse weather or dangerous road conditions. Learn to identify potential trouble spots like snowdrifts, puddles, or patches of black ice. Maintain a safe following distance and, most importantly, stay attentive.
- When driving in rain or snow, a good guideline is to travel at roughly one-third of your normal speed.
- Preventing a skid is the most effective way to deal with loss of traction.
Maintain your vehicle's condition. Inclement weather isn't the sole cause of skids—driving an aged or poorly maintained vehicle can also elevate your skid risk. Before hitting the road, ensure your tires are adequately inflated and possess sufficient tread depth for traction. Additionally, monitor your brakes and replace them when performance begins to deteriorate.
- To assess tire tread depth, insert a quarter into the grooves. If the tread doesn't cover the top of Washington's head, it's time for new tires.
- Replace worn-out brakes promptly if they emit squealing noises or feel spongy when applied.
Helpful Pointers
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Being able to recognize an impending skid and respond promptly can make the difference between a near miss and a regrettable collision.
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Keep in mind that roads are typically most slippery during the first ten to fifteen minutes of rainfall.
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Vehicles equipped with anti-lock brakes can significantly enhance your ability to recover from a skid without harm.
Important Cautions
- Never attempt to stop a skid by turning off your engine. Doing so will cause the steering wheel to lock up, depriving you of the ability to steer the vehicle.
