Skidding, Brake Failure and Vehicle Emergencies

Understanding Skids

A skid occurs when a tyre loses grip and slides rather than rolls. Two main types:

• Understeer — front wheels lose grip; the car ploughs straight ahead despite steering input. Common in front-wheel-drive cars. The car “goes wide” on bends.
• Oversteer — rear wheels lose grip; the back of the car slides outward. Common in rear-wheel-drive cars. The car spins if uncorrected.

Correcting a Rear-Wheel Skid (Oversteer)

1. Do not brake — braking worsens the skid
2. Steer into the skid — if the rear slides right, steer right
3. Ease off the throttle smoothly
4. When grip returns, straighten the steering
5. Be ready for a counter-skid in the opposite direction

Correcting a Front-Wheel Skid (Understeer)

1. Ease off the throttle gently
2. Do not add more steering — it will not help when the tyres have no grip
3. Allow the car to slow slightly; grip will return

Brake Failure

1. Pump the brake pedal rapidly — this can sometimes restore hydraulic pressure
2. Downshift through the gears to use engine braking
3. Apply the handbrake gradually — a sharp pull locks the rear wheels and can cause a spin
4. Use natural obstacles — a verge, uphill slope, or run-off area
5. Warn other road users with horn and hazard lights

Tyre Blowout at Speed

1. Grip the steering wheel firmly — the car will pull strongly to one side
2. Do not brake suddenly — it can destabilise the vehicle
3. Maintain your line and let the car slow naturally
4. Gradually ease off the accelerator
5. Gently steer to the side and brake softly once at a lower speed

Engine Fire

1. Pull over immediately and switch off the ignition
2. Get everyone out — do not collect belongings
3. Move well away from the vehicle (at least 50 metres)
4. Call 112 — do not attempt to fight an engine fire yourself

Key Takeaways

• Oversteer → steer into the skid, ease throttle, no hard braking
• Understeer → ease throttle, do not add more steering lock
• Brake failure → downshift, handbrake gradually, use natural terrain
• Blowout → hold firm, do not brake hard, let speed drop naturally
• Engine fire → stop, everyone out, call 112