Jan 26, 2015 | Automotive
One of the scariest challenges during the winter driving season is getting safely out of a skid. Skidding commonly occurs when you apply the brakes so hard that one or more wheels lock, or when you encounter a slippery surface while traveling too quickly on a curve. Even if you take it easy on the brakes and slow down in icy road conditions, you may still find yourself in this situation.
A skid occurs when you apply the brakes so hard that one or more wheels lock, or if you press hard on the accelerator and spin the drive wheels. Skids also occur when you are traveling too fast on a curve and encounter a slippery surface. Skids fall into two groups: rear-wheel skids and front-wheel skids. Regardless of the type of skid you encounter, to regain control of your vehicle, do not panic.
Rear-wheel skids: Effective skid-control maneuvers — and a calm approach — will help you regain control. If the rear wheels lose traction, resulting in an oversteering situation. Front-wheel skids are caused by hard braking or acceleration if your vehicle has front-wheel drive. When the front wheels lose traction, you will not be able to steer the vehicle. Compared to rear-wheel skids, frontwheel skids are easier to correct and less hazardous because there is no risk of the vehicle skidding in the opposite direction. Regardless of whether the vehicle has front-, rear- or four-wheel drive, folllow these steps to regain control.
1. Continue to look at your path of travel down the road.
2. Steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.
3. Avoid slamming on the brakes. Although hitting the brakes is a typical response, slamming the brakes will only further upset the vehicle’s balance and make it harder to regain control.
4. When the rear wheels stop skidding, continue to steer to avoid a rear-wheel skid in the opposite direction.
1. Continue to look where you want to go.
2. Steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.
3. Avoid slamming on the brakes. Although hitting the brakes is a typical response, slamming the brakes will only further upset the vehicle’s balance and make it harder to regain control.
4. Wait for the front wheels to grip the road again. As soon as traction returns, the vehicle will start to steer again.
5. When the front wheels have regained their grip, steer the wheels gently in the desired direction of travel. The most efficient technique for braking under these conditions in non-ABS vehicles is to use threshold or squeeze braking.
The best way to handle a skid is to avoid one. Learn how to predict where and when icy conditions may be present. Train your eye to detect black ice by watching the spray on your windshield. Black ice usually forms on wet pavements when the temperature drops to freezing and the salt trucks haven’t yet treated the road. During the day, run-off from melting snow may form black ice under bridges or in other shady spots. At night, it may form during drizzle or other damp conditions when the pavement reaches freezing temperatures before the layer of air just above it.
For more information download How to Go on Ice and Snow