What is what to do when your car starts to skid?

Here's what to do if your car starts to skid:

• Stay Calm: This is the most crucial step. Panic can lead to overcorrection and worsen the situation.

• Ease Off the Pedals: Immediately take your foot off the accelerator and, if possible, the brake. Avoid sudden braking or acceleration.

• Steer Into the Skid: This is the most counter-intuitive but vital step. If your rear wheels are sliding to the right, gently steer to the right. If they're sliding to the left, gently steer to the left. The goal is to point the steering wheel in the direction you want the car to go. Check out what Steering%20Into%20The%20Skid means in detail.

• Avoid Overcorrection: Gentle adjustments are key. Oversteering (turning the wheel too much) can cause the car to skid in the opposite direction.

• Wait for Regained Traction: Once you've steered into the skid and the car starts to straighten out, gently steer back to the original direction.

• Braking Considerations:

  • Cars with Anti-lock Brakes (ABS): Apply firm and steady pressure to the brake pedal. The ABS system will pump the brakes automatically. Do not pump the brakes yourself. Check out what Anti-lock%20Brakes%20(ABS) is.
  • Cars without ABS: Gently pump the brakes, releasing and reapplying pressure in short bursts. This helps prevent wheel lockup.

• Remember: Adjust your driving based on road conditions. Reduce speed in slippery conditions like rain, snow, or ice.

• Practice: Consider practicing skid recovery techniques in a safe, controlled environment, like a driving school or empty parking lot.