Skids

Explanation

Sudden turns, lane changes or hard braking can make a vehicle skid. The way to correct a skid is the same for front-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive vehicles.

1. Ease off the gas. Don’t make a fast turn away from the direction of the skid, and don’t steer too far — that could cause a spin.
2. Steer or brake according to your brakes:
   • Conventional brakes: turn the wheel in a controlled way in the direction the rear of the car is sliding. When you regain traction, straighten out and go slowly.
   • Anti-lock brakes (ABS): keep your foot on the brake with firm, continuous pressure and steer normally. Don’t pump the brakes. A mechanical noise, vibration or a stiffer pedal means the ABS is working.

Example

On a wet curve the back of your car slides to the left. You lift off the gas and steer smoothly to the left — the way the rear is sliding. The car straightens, and you continue slowly.

Common mistake

Pumping ABS brakes or letting up when the pedal vibrates. The vibration is the ABS doing its job — keep firm pressure.

What the manual says

If your vehicle begins to lose traction or the rear wheels begin sliding sideways, ease off the gas pedal. Do not make a fast turn away from the direction of the skid and do not steer too far, which could cause a spin.

If your vehicle has conventional brakes, turn the steering wheel in a controlled manner in the direction the rear of the car is sliding.

keep your foot on the brake pedal, maintaining firm and continuous pressure, while steering normally. Do not pump the brakes.