What should you do if your vehicle begins to skid?

When your vehicle begins to skid, the appropriate response is to steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go. This practice helps regain control of the car. When you feel a skid, typically caused by factors such as ice, rain, or sudden maneuvers, the front wheels might be sliding toward one side, making it necessary to guide them in the desired direction to help realign the vehicle's trajectory.

Steering towards your intended path allows the vehicle's rear wheels to settle as you regain traction. This technique, known as "counter-steering," is essential because it helps avoid a loss of control. This relies on the vehicle's natural dynamics to realign the tires with the road surface, fostering smoother and safer handling as you navigate out of the skid.

Using the opposite direction of the skid leads to further loss of control, while applying the brakes immediately can upset the balance and exacerbate the skid. Engaging the parking brake is not recommended as it could lock up the wheels, leading to a potential spin. Understanding the right reaction in such situations is crucial for maintaining control and ensuring safety on the road.