Skidding

Skids

Skids don’t happen by chance — they’re caused by the driver demanding more from the vehicle than the tyres can grip.

A skid occurs when the vehicle changes speed or direction so suddenly that the tyres lose traction with the road surface.

When Skids are Most Likely

The risk of skidding increases when:

  • Slowing down or braking

  • Accelerating, especially too sharply

  • Cornering or turning

  • Driving up or down hills

  • Road surfaces are wet, icy, or loose

Modern vehicles often have anti-skid systems, such as ABS or Electronic Stability Control (ESC). Always consult your vehicle handbook to understand how these systems work best.

Types and Causes of Skids

1. Skids Caused by Braking

Harsh or uncontrolled braking is one of the most common causes of skidding.

Brakes are most effective when they’re almost — but not quite — locked.

When you brake, the vehicle’s weight shifts forward, increasing pressure on the front wheels and reducing grip at the rear. The harder you brake, the greater this shift — and the more likely the rear wheels are to lose traction.

Even on dry roads, heavy braking can cause skids, especially if speed or steering is not controlled.

2. Skids Caused by Acceleration

Sudden or harsh acceleration, particularly while cornering or in lower gears, can cause the driving wheels to spin.

If you don’t ease off the accelerator immediately, the loss of traction can develop into a full skid.

Smooth and progressive acceleration is the key to maintaining grip.

3. Skids Caused by Braking and Steering Together

Combining harsh braking with sharp steering is highly dangerous.

Both actions demand grip from the tyres — and there’s only so much available.

You may skid if:

  • You brake suddenly while turning, or

  • You start to turn while braking

The solution is simple: adjust your speed before the bend, not during it, and always allow extra space in wet or icy conditions.

Avoiding Skids

The best way to deal with a skid is not to have one in the first place. Skids are almost always preventable with smooth, forward-thinking driving.

Key Principles

  • Reduce speed early – braking is less effective on slippery surfaces.

  • Anticipate hazards – look well ahead to spot potential dangers.

  • Avoid harsh acceleration, braking, or steering.

  • Use engine braking – change down gears early and smoothly.

  • Be cautious in poor conditions – stopping distances can be up to 10 times longer on ice or packed snow.

Watch for Slippery Conditions

Be alert for any of the following:

  • Wet roads (even in summer)

  • Ice, frost, or packed snow

  • Wet mud, loose gravel, or leaves

  • Diesel or oil spills

  • Freshly laid tarmac

If the road looks or feels slippery — slow down and drive gently.

Anti-Skid Technology

Electronic Stability Control or ESC (sometimes called ESP or Dynamic Stability Control) combines ABS and traction control to prevent skidding.
It detects when a vehicle begins to lose traction and automatically adjusts braking or engine power to help maintain control.

When the system activates, a warning light will usually flash briefly on the dashboard.

If the light stays on, it may indicate a fault — get it checked.

ESC can’t defy the laws of physics. If you drive too fast for the conditions, you can still lose control.

All new cars sold in the EU are fitted with ESC, but terminology may vary between manufacturers. Check your vehicle handbook for details.

Remember:

Safety technology is designed to assist safe driving — not replace it.

You must always drive at a speed that allows you to stop within the distance you can see to be clear.

If You Start to Skid

If your vehicle begins to skid (and you don't have anti-skid technology), stay calm and follow these steps:

  1. Release the brake pedal fully.

    • Pressing harder will only make the skid worse.

  2. Ease off the accelerator.

    • Reducing power helps the tyres regain grip.

  3. Steer into the skid.

    • If the rear of the car moves left, steer left.

    • If the rear moves right, steer right.

    • This brings the front wheels back in line with the direction of travel.

    • Avoid oversteering — too much correction can cause the vehicle to skid in the opposite direction.

  4. If the front wheels are sliding, release the accelerator and don’t steer until they regain grip.

  5. Front-wheel drive vehicles: Too much power can cause the front wheels to lose traction — again, ease off the accelerator.

Reminders

  • Drive smoothly and anticipate early – skids are nearly always caused by driver input.

  • Adapt to road and weather conditions.

  • Give yourself time and space to react safely.

  • Follow manufacturer guidance if your car has ABS or ESC — different systems may respond differently.

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