If your car begins to skid on a slippery surface, here's what to do:
Ease off the gas: Lift your foot off the accelerator to slow down gradually. Do not slam on the brakes, as hard braking can make the skid worse.
Steer into the skid: Turn the steering wheel in the same direction that the rear of the car is sliding. For example, if the back of your car slides to the right, gently steer to the right. This helps your wheels realign with the direction of travel so you can regain traction.
Don't over-correct: Use smooth, small steering adjustments. Avoid violently yanking the wheel in the opposite direction, or you might swing into a skid the other way. The key is gentle control.
Straighten out and brake gently as needed: As soon as you feel your tires grip the road again, straighten the steering wheel. If you still need to reduce your speed, brake very gently until you’re back in full control.
The main goal in a skid is to regain traction. By easing off the gas and steering calmly into the direction of the skid, you allow the tires to realign and grip the road. It’s important to stay calm and not overreact – panicking with sudden brakes or jerky steering can turn a simple skid into a full spin-out. With practice (like in a safe, empty parking lot at slow speeds), you can get a feel for correcting skids. But on the road, remember: foot off the gas, steer into the skid, and recover gradually.
