1. Ease off the gas and clutch (if applicable): Sudden acceleration exacerbates any skid. Removing your foot from the accelerator will help slow the car down and reduce the forces causing the loss of control.
2. Do NOT slam on the brakes: Braking during a skid can lock up the wheels and further worsen the situation, potentially leading to a spin. Instead, ease off the brake pedal gradually if you were braking before the skid occurred.
3. Steer gently in the direction you want the *front* of the car to go: This is the single most important step. Your instinct may be to steer into the skid (towards the direction you're sliding), but this will usually make it worse. Look where you want to go and gently steer the car towards that direction.
4. Counter-steer only if necessary: After initiating the gentle steering towards the intended direction, if the car continues to skid excessively and you need to correct the path, a slight counter-steer might be needed. It's crucial to do this smoothly and gradually, however.
5. Once the car regains traction, steer straight: Once the skid is under control, gently steer the wheel straight and gradually apply some power, only when the car is safely under control.
Key Differences and Nuances:
* Oversteer (rear-wheel skid): In oversteer (RWD cars are more prone), the rear end slides out. The most common cause is excessive acceleration or going into a corner too fast. While the above steps generally apply, you may need to slightly counter-steer *more* deliberately to bring the rear end back in line.
* Understeer (front-wheel skid): In understeer (FWD cars are more prone), the front wheels lose traction and the car continues straight, even when you're turning the steering wheel. The most common cause is going into a corner too fast. In this case, the gentle steer towards your intended direction, as described above, is paramount, and you are less likely to need a counter-steer.
Regardless of the drive type:
* Practice: The best way to prepare for skids is to practice in a controlled environment, like a driving school's skid pad.
* Be aware of conditions: Driving conditions like icy or snowy roads or wet surfaces dramatically reduce traction, making skids more likely. Adjust your speed and driving accordingly.
The common approach emphasizes smooth inputs. Avoid jerky movements that will only worsen the situation. The key is to gently guide the vehicle back towards control; reacting smoothly is more effective than aggressive maneuvers.
