What Makes A Car Skid?

Posted on June 30, 2012 by admin

Are you curious about why your car skids? Know how to prevent your Milwaukee car rental from skidding this summer by learning about why it happens. There are a few reasons, some having to do with conditions. Read on for information about car skids.

Why is my Milwaukee Car Rental Skidding?

Cars can skid in a number of conditions. It could be from weather, or sudden braking at high speeds. Skidding is all about lack of traction and friction.

If your car skids at high speeds, it’s because the momentum from your car moving so quickly has more strength than the friction between your Milwaukee car rental tires and the surface of the road. Often, your brakes may lock up when this happens. Make sure that your Milwaukee car rental has an anti-lock braking system and that it is in great condition. Entering a curve at too high a speed can also cause a four-wheel skid.

Friction and traction are also lost in adverse conditions. Wet roads don’t allow your tires’ treads to grab onto the road as well as dry roads do, resulting in loss of control.

How Can I Prepare?

The first and foremost thing to remember is to remain calm. Stressing out in a situation such as this will cause you to lose your focus and further lose control of your Milwaukee car rental.

If you’re driving in heavy rain, our blog on driving in heavy rain will help you prevent skidding. Prevention is key. If you prepare yourself in adverse conditions, and remain cautious and in control, you are less likely to skid in your Milwaukee car rental.

What Can I Do to Get Out of a Skid?

Contrary to instinct, braking in a skid isn’t the best option. It can actually make the skid worse. Another “don’t” is turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction.

Front Wheel Skid

The first thing to do is ease gently off the gas pedal. Look at your intended target, and gently try to steer your car in the direction of your desired destination. Steadily apply the brakes in order to return control to the front of the vehicle if you still haven’t regained control of your vehicle within 3 seconds. If you do not have ABS, pump your brakes lightly. Remember not to brake harshly as this will lock the brakes.

Rear Wheel Skid

This is also sometimes known as “fishtailing” – when your rear wheels slide out to the left or right.

This is a time when it is right to turn your car into the skid. However, do not turn too harshly or severely. If you begin fishtailing to the left, turn your steering wheel slightly to the left. Only turn your wheels enough to align your front wheels with your back wheels. While you do this, gently remove your foot from the gas pedal, and avoid braking.

Just remember to remain calm, keep these pointers in mind, and you’ll be just fine!

For the most reliable Milwaukee car rental options this year, rent from Mayfair Rent-A-Car!

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