Driving is an essential skill that most people need to master. However, the roads can be unpredictable, and accidents can happen anytime. One of the common hazards on the road is skidding. Skidding can occur when your tires lose traction with the road surface, making it hard to control your car. Skidding can be scary, but it’s not the end of the world. In this article, we’ll discuss what to do when your car skids to help you stay safe on the road.
Understanding Skids
Before we delve into what to do when your car skids, it’s essential to understand the types of skids. There are two types of skids: oversteer and understeer.
Oversteer
Oversteer occurs when the rear wheels lose traction and start to slide towards the outside of the turn. This type of skid usually happens when you’re driving at high speeds, and you make a sudden turn.
Understeer
Understeer is the opposite of oversteer. It happens when the front wheels lose traction, and your car drifts towards the outside of the turn. This type of skid usually happens when you’re driving too fast and trying to make a sharp turn.
What To Do When Your Car Skids
- Stay Calm
The first thing to do when your car skids is to stay calm. Don’t panic, and don’t slam on the brakes. Instead, take a deep breath and focus on regaining control of your car.
- Steer In The Direction Of The Skid
Once you’re calm, steer in the direction of the skid. For instance, if you experience an oversteer skid, steer in the direction of the rear wheels. This will help you regain control of your car.
- Don’t Brake Suddenly
As tempting as it may be to hit the brakes when your car skids, resist the urge. Braking suddenly can make the skid worse, and it can cause you to lose control of your car entirely.
- Ease Off The Accelerator
Instead of braking, ease off the accelerator slowly. This will help you regain control of your car and prevent the skid from getting worse.
- Pay Attention To Your Car’s Movement
As you try to regain control of your car, pay attention to your car’s movement. This will help you determine if you’re making progress or if you need to adjust your steering.
- Keep Your Eyes On The Road
While you’re trying to regain control of your car, keep your eyes on the road. Avoid looking at obstacles or other distractions, as this can make the situation worse.
- Slow Down
After regaining control of your car, slow down and take a few deep breaths. This will help you calm down and prevent another skid from happening.
Preventing Skids
Now that you know what to do when your car skids, it’s essential to take preventive measures to avoid skidding altogether. Here are some tips to help you prevent skids:
- Slow Down
Driving at high speeds increases your chances of skidding. To avoid skidding, slow down and maintain a safe speed.
- Check Your Tires
Your tires play a significant role in preventing skids. Check your tires’ pressure regularly and replace them when they’re worn out.
- Avoid Sudden Movements
Sudden movements like sudden turns or sudden braking can cause your car to skid. Avoid such movements, and always anticipate your next move.
- Keep A Safe Distance
Maintain a safe distance between you and the car in front of you. This will give you enough time to react if the car in front of you makes a sudden move.
Conclusion
Skidding can be a scary experience, but with the right knowledge, you can regain control of your car and prevent accidents. Remember, stay calm, steer in the direction of the skid, don’t brake suddenly, ease off the accelerator, pay attention to your car’s movement, keep your eyes on the road, and slow down. Taking preventive measures such as slowing down, checking your tires, avoiding sudden movements, and keeping a safe distance can help you prevent skids altogether.
FAQs
What causes a car to skid?
Skidding can be caused by various factors, including driving at high speeds, sudden movements, worn-out tires, and wet or icy roads.
How can I prevent skids on wet roads?
To prevent skids on wet roads, slow down, avoid sudden movements, maintain a safe distance, and check your tires’ tread.
What should I do if my car skids on ice?
If your car skids on ice, stay calm, steer in the direction of the skid, ease off the accelerator, and don’t brake suddenly.
Can skids cause accidents?
Yes, skids can cause accidents. When a car skids, it loses traction with the road surface, making it hard to control the car.
How often should I check my tires?
You should check your tires’ pressure at least once a month and replace them when they’re worn out.