One of the scariest moments for any driver is feeling your car lose traction on icy roads. Even experienced drivers can panic when it happens. As someone who cares deeply about my customers’ safety, here’s what I teach every driver to do if their car starts to slide.
1. Stay Calm—Don’t Slam the Brakes
Your instincts may tell you to brake hard, but that makes things worse. Slamming the brakes locks your wheels and removes what little traction you still have.
2. Steer Gently in the Direction You Want to Go
If the rear of your car slides to the right, gently steer right. This helps realign your vehicle and regain control. Avoid jerky movements—they can cause the car to fishtail further.
3. Ease Off the Gas
Removing your foot from the accelerator helps your tires reconnect with the road. Apply steady, gentle pressure once you regain stability.
4. Don’t Overcorrect
Once you feel the car straightening out, don’t swing the wheel back too quickly. Small adjustments keep the vehicle centered and stable.
5. Practice if You Can
If you live in an area with regular snow and ice, consider practicing safe recovery maneuvers in an empty parking lot. A little hands-on experience goes a long way.
Winter driving can be unpredictable, but with the right knowledge, you can stay safe and confident. If you ever need help checking your tires, brakes, or traction systems, the team at Thomas Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in Highland is always here to help you stay prepared.
Faye Giles
(708) 510-4454
Thomas Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram
