How-to Brake or Accelerate: What to Do If Your Car Skids? The Correct Sequence of Actions

Imagine you are driving. The road is as smooth as a mirror, ice under the wheels, and suddenly—your car starts skidding to the side.
In moments like these, time seems to stop. What do you do? Do you slam the brakes or hit the gas? Or maybe you just need to turn the steering wheel?
One wrong move, and you might find yourself in the opposite lane or in a ditch. But there is a way out! Let’s explore the smart actions to take so you won’t have to face the consequences of poor decisions later.

Why Do Cars Skid?​

A car skids when there is a difference in rotational speed between the front and rear wheels. This can be caused by:

• Weather conditions: Ice, snow, wet roads, or mud.
• Driver error: Sudden braking, rapid acceleration, or improper handling on slippery surfaces.
• Uneven tire grip: For example, when one wheel is on ice while others are on dry pavement.

When either the front or rear wheels lose traction, the car will start sliding sideways due to inertia. This dangerous situation requires quick and precise action.

A Mistake Could Cost You Dearly​

Most drivers’ first instinct is to slam the brakes. But this is a deadly mistake! Locked wheels stop rotating, making the car completely unresponsive to steering. That’s why you should never brake when skidding!

What to Do: Step by Step​

1. Identify Your Car’s Drivetrain Type!​

• Rear-wheel drive (RWD): The most common case, where skidding starts from the rear.
• Front-wheel drive (FWD): The front end typically skids, but full skids can also occur.
• All-wheel drive (AWD/4WD): Any part of the car can skid, depending on the drivetrain design.

2. What to Do When Your Car Skids​

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)​

• Lift your foot off the gas pedal! Pressing the gas further will make the rear wheels spin even faster, worsening the skid.
• Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid! If the rear end slides right, turn the wheel to the right. Do this gently but quickly.
• Do NOT brake! Braking will lock the wheels and make the skid uncontrollable.
• Once stable, gently accelerate to regain control and return to your lane.

Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)​

Do NOT stop completely! Slightly increase throttle so the front wheels “pull” the car out of the skid.
Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid! If the front end slides left, turn the wheel left.
Do NOT brake! This rule applies to all drivetrain types.
Once stabilized, gently press the gas to get back on track.

All-Wheel Drive (AWD/4WD)​

Your actions depend on your drivetrain system: If you have a full-time AWD vehicle, follow the same steps as FWD. If your vehicle allows switching to rear-wheel drive, follow the RWD steps.
Lift your foot off the gas and turn the wheel in the skid direction.
Do NOT brake—this rule always applies!
Once the car is straight, gently accelerate to stabilize its trajectory.

Practice Is the Best Way to Learn​

Knowing the theory is good, but in a real emergency, your brain may react incorrectly. To make these movements instinctive, you need to practice. The ideal place for this is an empty parking lot or a designated area where you can safely practice these techniques.

Things to practice:
Steering: Turns should be quick but smooth.
Throttle control: Learn to avoid sudden gas pedal movements and adjust speed carefully.
Identifying skid direction: If the car skids left—turn left; if it skids right—turn right.

What If the Skid Becomes Uncontrollable?​

Sometimes, mistakes go too far. In such cases, you can use the counter-steering technique. The goal is to create an artificial skid, reducing inertia. This is done by briefly turning the wheel in the direction of the skid, then quickly snapping it back.

This technique requires experience and should be practiced beforehand.

Things You Should NEVER Do​

Do NOT slam the brakes! This has been mentioned before, but it’s worth repeating.
Do NOT jerk the steering wheel! Sudden, erratic movements will only make things worse.
Do NOT shift into neutral! Keeping the car in gear helps utilize engine braking.

Summary​

If your car starts skidding, the most important thing is not to panic. Know your car’s drivetrain and follow the correct steps! Lift your foot off the brake, turn the wheel in the skid direction, and control your throttle. These steps will help you maintain control even in critical situations.

Remember: Practicing in a safe area or test track is an investment in your safety. This knowledge might one day save your life!