How to React to a Skid

If you find yourself in a skid, stay calm and think before reacting to regain control of your car.

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Up next in How to Drive Safely (22 videos)

Learn how to drive safely with the driving lessons in this Howcast video series.

 
How to Deal with Traffic
1
How to Deal with Traffic
How to Drive a Semi
2
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How to Winterize Your Car
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How to React to a Skid
4
How to React to a Skid
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How to Stay Safe Driving in Fog
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How to Stay Safe Driving in the Rain
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How to React to Brake Failure
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How to Pass Your Learner's Permit Test
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How to Pass Your Driving Road Test
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How to Ace Driver’s Ed
13
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How to Drive on the Beach (and Not Get Stuck)
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How to Choose a Safe Parking Spot
16
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How to Remember Where You Parked
17
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How to Parallel Park
18
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How to Avoid Traffic Jams
19
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20
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Quick Tips: How to Extend the Range of a Remote Car Door Opener
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You Will Need

  • Steady nerves
  • Quick reflexes
  • Knowledge

Steps

  1. Step 1

    Don't panic

    Don't panic. Stay calm and let your knowledge, not your instincts, direct your actions.

  2. Step 2

    Slow down

    Immediately take your foot off the gas; then apply light braking.

  3. Lightly tap standard brakes; for anti-lock brakes, apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. The anti-lock brakes will pulse automatically.

  4. Step 3

    Turn into the skid

    Turn the steering wheel in the same direction you are skidding, whether your back or front wheels are sliding. Ignore the impulse to steer the other way.

  5. Turn the wheel slowly and steadily to avoid over-steering and starting a new skid or spinout.

  6. Step 4

    Return to your original course

    Regain control of your car, and carefully return to your original course.

  7. The SSC Ultimate Aero is rated the fastest car in the world, at a top speed of 257 miles per hour. It sells for $654,400.

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