what should you do if your car starts to skid

3 min read 15-04-2025

what should you do if your car starts to skid

Losing control of your car is a terrifying experience. Skids can happen unexpectedly, due to slick roads, sudden braking, or aggressive steering. Knowing what to do in a skid can significantly improve your chances of regaining control and avoiding an accident. This guide outlines crucial steps to take if your car starts to skid.

Understanding Skids

Before diving into the actions to take, let's clarify what a skid actually is. A skid occurs when your tires lose traction with the road surface. This loss of control can happen on any surface, but it's especially common on wet, icy, or snowy roads. There are two main types of skids:

Oversteer: The rear end of your car slides out, often causing a spin. This is typically caused by turning the steering wheel too sharply at high speeds.
Understeer: The front end of your car slides, and it continues to go straight even when you're turning the wheel. This frequently happens when braking too hard or going around a corner too quickly.

Understanding the type of skid you're experiencing can help you react more effectively.

How to Recover from a Skid

The key to successfully recovering from a skid is to remain calm and avoid making sudden movements. Panic can exacerbate the situation. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Ease Off the Gas Pedal

The first and most important action is to gently remove your foot from the gas pedal. Accelerating will only worsen the loss of control.

2. Steer Into the Skid

This is the crucial step that many drivers get wrong. Do not steer in the direction your car is skidding. Instead, steer gently in the direction you want the car to go.

Oversteer (Rear-Wheel Skid): If the rear of your car slides to the left, steer gently to the left. If it slides to the right, steer gently to the right.
Understeer (Front-Wheel Skid): If the front end slides to the left, steer gently to the left. If it slides to the right, steer gently to the right.

3. Avoid Braking

Unless absolutely necessary, avoid slamming on the brakes during a skid. Hard braking can lock up your wheels, making it even more difficult to regain control. If you need to brake, do so gently and progressively. Consider using the ABS system (Anti-lock Braking System) to your advantage; pump the brakes gently if your car doesn't have ABS.

4. Straighten the Wheel Once the Skid Stops

Once you’ve regained traction and the skid is over, gently straighten the steering wheel. Avoid overcorrecting, which can cause another skid.

5. Assess the Situation

After regaining control, check your surroundings for other vehicles and obstacles. Pull over to a safe location and assess any damage to your car.

Preventing Skids

Proactive driving habits significantly reduce the likelihood of skids. Consider these preventative measures:

Reduce Speed: Slow down when approaching corners, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Increase Following Distance: Maintain a greater following distance than usual, especially on slippery roads, to give yourself more reaction time.
Avoid Sudden Movements: Steer and brake smoothly to prevent sudden loss of traction.
Regular Tire Maintenance: Ensure your tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread depth. Check your tire pressure regularly and replace worn-out tires.
Winter Tires: In snowy or icy conditions, consider using winter tires for improved grip.

What to Do After a Skid

If you've been involved in a skid, even a minor one, it's important to take the following steps:

Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and any passengers for injuries. Seek medical attention if necessary.
Contact Emergency Services: If there's any significant damage or injury, call emergency services immediately.
Exchange Information: If other vehicles are involved, exchange insurance and contact information with the other drivers.
Report the Accident: Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Knowing how to handle a skid is a vital skill for every driver. By following these steps and practicing safe driving habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of accidents and improve your ability to regain control if a skid occurs. Remember, staying calm and reacting smoothly are key to a successful recovery. Regular practice in a safe, controlled environment (like an empty parking lot) can further enhance your ability to react effectively during a skid. Always prioritize safety!