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What is skidding in driving?
I’m studying for my driving exam and I keep stumbling across the word skidding. I’ve heard it before, but I’m not exactly sure what it means. What exactly is skidding when driving?
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Skidding in driving is when the tires of your car lose their grip on the road and your car continues to move uncontrollably. It’s also generally accompanied by the squeal of rubber against the pavement.
In general, skidding is caused by one of the following:
- Providing too much power to the wheels, which increases torque and causes them to spin out of control
- Locking the wheels by braking too quickly or too hard
- Driving too quickly for road conditions
- Bad weather that causes slippery pavement
- Turning the steering wheel too sharply
If you find yourself in a skid and you’re out of control, follow these steps to correct it:
- If your car is front-wheel drive, let the car roll to a stop if possible. Don’t brake hard, as this can cause even more issues with control.
- If your car is rear-wheel drive, make sure to let off the brakes. Then, turn into the skid (or the same direction as the skid) to regain control.
By understanding what a skid is and how to control your car when you experience one, you should be able to avoid catastrophe. But in some cases, an accident may result. If you have an accident due to a skid, your car insurance may increase as a result. But that doesn’t mean you have to overpay. Instead, download the
Jerry
app.Jerry is a licensed insurance broker that will collect quotes from over 50 top-rated insurers in minutes. After you find a great rate, Jerry can help you buy new insurance and cancel your old policy. Users save an average of $887 per year.
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- Gregory R.
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