Skidding in your car is a common hazard that many drivers experience. It happens when your car’s tires lose grip on the road, causing a loss of control. This can lead to accidents if not handled properly. Here's an overview of how skidding occurs and how to manage it safely, courtesy of Thompson Sales.

What Are the Four Main Causes of Skidding?

Skidding typically happens for one of these four reasons:

1. Braking too hard
2. Turning too sharply
3. Accelerating too quickly
4. Driving too fast for road conditions

Among these, the most common cause is driving too fast for the current road conditions. This can happen on wet roads, icy surfaces, or when snow makes the road slick. Even things like wet leaves or dry sand can cause a skid. At Thompson Sales, we care about your safety, no matter the weather or road surface.

How Can I Prevent a Skid?

Preventing a skid is the best course of action. To minimize the risk, slow down when driving uphill or downhill. If you're driving on hilly terrain, shift to a lower gear before you start ascending or descending. When braking or accelerating, do so gradually. Give yourself plenty of space between your car and the vehicle ahead of you to allow for safe braking.

What Should I Do During a Rear-Wheel Skid?

A rear-wheel skid occurs when the back of the car starts sliding side to side, a motion known as fishtailing. If this happens, the car will feel different, and stopping may be difficult if the tires have lost traction.

If you’re accelerating, ease off the gas completely. If you're braking, ease off the brake gently, not all the way. Try to feel if the tires regain their grip on the road.

While easing off the accelerator or brake, steer into the skid. For example, if the back of the car slides to the right, gently turn the steering wheel to the right. This helps align the tires with the direction of the skid, allowing the car to regain control. Avoid jerking the wheel too hard; a slight turn is all you need to bring the vehicle back in line. Once the skid ends, press lightly on the brake and slow down.

What Should I Do During a Front-Wheel Skid?

Front-wheel skids occur when you enter a turn too quickly, causing the car to veer off course. To correct this, ease off the accelerator and try steering the car back onto the road. If this doesn’t work after a few seconds, gently press the brake pedal to engage your car's anti-lock braking system (ABS). If your car doesn’t have ABS, press the brake lightly to help regain control.