Lesson 9 · Night, weather and emergencies
What do you do if your car skids?
Short answer
Ease off the gas, do not slam the brakes, and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go.
Watch it play out
How to do it
- Take your foot off the gas.
- Look where you want to go and steer smoothly that way.
- Do not slam the brakes. With anti-lock brakes, press firmly and steadily.
- Be ready for a second skid as the car straightens.
Why the rule works this way
Hard braking or sharp steering takes away the little grip your tires have left. Smooth inputs let the tires recover.
Common mistakes
- Overcorrecting and spinning the other way.
- Driving too fast for snow and ice in the first place.
Questions people ask
How do I avoid skids?
Slow down, leave much more space, and brake, steer and accelerate gently on slippery roads.