Power skid maneuver: which option is recommended?

• A. Accelerate to regain traction
• B. Turn wheel sharply into the skid
• C. Let off gas, counter steer (IF sliding)
• D. Brake gently

Answer: (C)

A power skid happens when you apply too much throttle and the rear tires lose traction, causing the back end to slide. The best response is to ease off the accelerator to reduce the torque that’s causing the slip, and if the rear begins to slide, steer in the direction you want the car to go (counter steering) to bring the vehicle back under control. This helps the tires regain grip and lets you reestablish control more quickly. Braking hard or grabbing the wheel sharply can make the skid worse, and trying to power through it with more throttle will just widen the loss of traction. Once traction returns, ease back into steering and throttle to straighten out and continue.