What to Do If Your Car Starts Skidding
- Elliot Sharp
- Mar 26
- 3 min read
When you're behind the wheel, few moments are as panic inducing as feeling your car lose traction and begin to skid.
Whether you're facing slick rain soaked roads or icy winter surfaces, knowing how to react during a skid can mean the difference between a close call and a collision.
In this article, we’ll explore why skids happen, the types of skids, what to do when one occurs, and the best data backed practices to avoid them.
Let’s get straight to the point, because on the road, every second counts.
Why Cars Skid: The Science Behind Loss of Traction
Skidding occurs when your tyres lose grip with the road surface.
This can happen due to:
Wet or icy roads
Sudden braking or acceleration
Sharp cornering at speed
Worn tyres or underinflated tyres
According to a 2024 report by the UK Department for Transport, 23% of weather related accidents were caused by loss of control, often due to poor tyre grip or inappropriate speed for conditions.
Types of Skids and What They Mean
Front Wheel Skid (Understeer)
This happens when the front tyres lose grip and the car continues straight despite turning the wheel.
Rear Wheel Skid (Oversteer)
The rear wheels lose grip, causing the back of the car to swing out. Common in rear wheel drive vehicles.
Four Wheel Skid
All tyres lose grip simultaneously, often under heavy braking.
Understanding what kind of skid you’re experiencing helps determine your next move.
Step by Step: What to Do If Your Car Starts Skidding
1. Stay Calm and Don’t Panic
Your instinct may be to slam the brakes. Don’t. Panicking worsens the skid. Keep your eyes focused on where you want to go, not on what you're about to hit.
2. Steer Gently Into the Skid
If the rear of your car is sliding to the right, gently steer right. If it’s sliding left, steer left. This helps the tyres realign and regain traction.
3. Don’t Slam the Brakes
For vehicles without ABS, slamming the brakes can lock your wheels and worsen the skid. For cars with ABS, apply firm and steady pressure, the system will do the work for you.
4. Ease Off the Accelerator
Removing your foot from the accelerator can help slow the vehicle naturally and allow the tyres to grip again.
5. Let the Car Straighten Itself
Once traction returns, straighten the steering wheel. Over correction is a major cause of secondary skids.
Preventing Skids: Proactive Safety Tips
Check Tyres Regularly
Ensure your tyre tread depth meets the legal minimum (1.6mm), though experts recommend 3mm for optimal wet weather performance. Keep tyres properly inflated based on manufacturer guidelines.
Adjust Speed for Conditions
In rain or icy conditions, reduce your speed by at least 30%. Increase your following distance to at least 6 seconds behind the car ahead.
Avoid Sudden Movements
Smooth inputs are key: accelerate gradually, brake gently, and steer smoothly.
Understand Your Vehicle
Is it front wheel, rear wheel, or all wheel drive? Does it have stability control or ABS? These features impact how your car responds to a skid and how you should react.
What Not to Do in a Skid
Don’t overcorrect: It can cause a spin.
Don’t pump ABS brakes: Let the system do its job.
Don’t give up the wheel: Always steer purposefully.
The Role of Driver Training
Data from RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) shows that advanced driver training reduces accident risk by up to 27%.
Many UK driving schools now offer skid pan training, which simulates slippery conditions in a safe, controlled environment. It’s a worthwhile investment, especially for new drivers or those who commute in rural areas.
Final Thoughts
Skidding doesn’t need to end in disaster. With quick thinking, controlled movements, and regular vehicle maintenance, you can regain control and avoid crashes.
As vehicle safety technology advances, we may rely more on electronic stability systems, but nothing replaces driver skill and presence of mind.
Elliot Sharp
Vehicle Safety & Insights Analyst, Smart Driving Column
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