The best way to tell when you’re about to fishtail is to be aware when your vehicle feels like it’s turning more sharply than the angle at which you’re steering. Be cautious about taking curves too quickly if the roads are frozen over or it’s recently been raining. [2] X Research source
Hitting the brakes is often an instinctive reaction. You may need to practice controlled skidding under safe conditions (in an icy open lot with no other drivers around, for instance) before you’re able to handle an unexpected slide with a cool head. [4] X Research source If you’re riding a motorcycle, lay off the throttle until you’ve made it through the skid safely. [5] X Research source
If you’re thrown into a spin and aren’t sure which way you’re facing, hold the wheel still. It should still be in roughly the same position as it was before you lost control. Try not to whip your head in either direction, as this will only disorient you further. [7] X Research source
You might be able to prevent a skid from getting any worse by pressing the clutch on vehicle with a manual transmission. Engaging the clutch will take the engine out of the equation, so you won’t have to worry about any extra force being misdirected. [9] X Research source The added friction of a rough driving surface such as gravel may also help slow the vehicle down faster.
Using slight movements to steer will ensure that your tires have maximum traction at all times.
If you notice that your vehicle is not responding to your attempts to turn, it’s likely that you’ve entered a front wheel skid.
Hitting the brakes shifts the vehicle’s weight back over the front wheels. The resulting increase in friction will help restore traction. If you’re in an automobile that doesn’t have anti-lock brakes, pump the brakes slowly and rhythmically to keep them from locking up. [13] X Research source
Keep in mind that most front wheel skid accidents tend to take place as you’re entering a curve, which means that steering the vehicle in any other direction could prove disastrous. In the event that you vehicle leaves the road, your safest option is to identify and aim for the nearest open space (a flat patch of grass, open shoulder, or vacant lane will typically be best). [15] X Research source The same advice will apply to loss of traction on a motorcycle—the rest of the bike will follow in line with the front wheel. [16] X Research source
Unless there’s an obstacle in your path, you should never turn the wheel more than a few degrees in either direction while correcting a front wheel skid.
Watch out for other parts of the road that might pose a problem until you reach your destination. If you end up in a precarious position, such as the edge of an embankment, it may be safer to bring the vehicle to a complete stop and set the emergency brake rather than continue driving.
Reducing your speed by as little as 5 or 10 mph (8 or 20 km/h) can significantly cut down on the distance it takes you to stop in the event of a skid. [20] X Research source To minimize the possibility of hydroplaning in heavy rain, try to keep your tires in the tracks of the vehicle in front of you. [21] X Research source
A good rule of thumb when braving the roads in rain or snow is to drive at about a third of the speed you would under normal conditions. [24] X Research source The best way to deal with a loss of traction is to avoid one in the first place.
To test the depth of your tires’ tread, stick a quarter into the grooves. If the tread doesn’t cover the top of Washington’s head, you’re probably due for a new set. [26] X Research source Spring for a new set of brakes when they begin to squeal or feel squishy underfoot
