Icy, slippery roads are prime environments for skids. Skids fall into two groups: rear-wheel and front-wheel. Regardless of the type you encounter, it’s important to stay calm; over-correcting can make the situation worse. Follow our tips to stay safe and keep your vehicle on the road this winter.
Front-wheel skids
Front-wheel skids are caused by hard braking or acceleration if your vehicle has front-wheel drive. When the front wheels lose traction, you will not be able to steer the vehicle. Compared to rear-wheel skids, front-wheel skids are easier to correct and less hazardous because there is no risk of the vehicle skidding in the opposite direction. Regardless of whether the vehicle has front-, rear- or four-wheel drive, the best way to regain control if the front wheels skid is:
- Continue to look where you want to go.
- Steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.
- Avoid slamming on the brakes. Although hitting the brakes is a typical response, slamming the brakes will only further upset the vehicle’s balance and make it harder to regain control.
- Wait for the front wheels to grip the road again. As soon as traction returns, the vehicle will start to steer again.
- When the front wheels have regained their grip, steer the wheels gently in the desired direction of travel.
The most efficient technique for braking under these conditions in non-ABS vehicles is to use threshold or squeeze braking.
Rear-wheel skids
Effective skid-control maneuvers — and a calm approach — will help you regain control. If the rear wheels lose traction, resulting in an oversteering situation, use these steps to regain control:
- Continue to look at your path of travel down the road.
- Steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.
- Avoid slamming on the brakes.
- When the rear wheels stop skidding, continue to steer to avoid a rear-wheel skid in the opposite direction.