* Oversteering: Turning the steering wheel too sharply at speed, especially on a slippery surface (snow, ice, loose gravel), can cause the rear end to swing out.
* Sudden acceleration: Applying too much throttle, particularly while cornering or on a low-traction surface, can cause the rear wheels to spin and lose traction, leading to a fishtail.
* Sudden braking: Hard braking, especially on a slippery surface, can transfer weight to the front of the car, reducing traction at the rear wheels and causing a fishtail.
* Low tire pressure: Under-inflated tires reduce the contact patch with the road, making the car more prone to losing traction and fishtailing.
* Poor tire condition: Worn or damaged tires have less grip, increasing the risk of fishtailing.
* Road conditions: Slippery surfaces like ice, snow, wet leaves, or loose gravel significantly increase the likelihood of fishtailing.
* Vehicle load: An unevenly loaded vehicle can affect the car's weight distribution, making it more susceptible to fishtailing.
* Vehicle type: Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicles are generally more prone to fishtailing than front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicles, particularly in challenging conditions. However, all types of vehicles can fishtail under the right (or wrong!) circumstances.
It's important to drive cautiously and be aware of these factors to minimize the risk of fishtailing.
