- Release the gas pedal gently.
- Steer the car in the direction where the back of the car is sliding.
- Shift to a lower gear quickly and use the engine to slow down.
- Turn on hazard lights as quickly as you can until you regain control.
- Apply hand brake if necessary.
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FAQ
Read our Frequently Asked Questions.
Keep both hands firmly on the wheel—do not let go regardless of what the car does.
Ease off the accelerator gradually—do not brake hard initially.
Steer in the direction you want to go (for understeer) or into the skid direction (for oversteer).
Shift to a lower gear quickly to use engine braking to slow the vehicle.
Activate hazard lights as soon as you have a hand free.
Apply the handbrake gently only if necessary to reduce speed further, then bring the vehicle to a controlled stop.
Tire blowout—when a tire loses pressure rapidly, the vehicle pulls strongly to that side.
Hydroplaning on wet roads—all four tires float on a film of water and lose road contact.
Black ice—invisible ice patches can cause sudden, total loss of tire grip.
Mechanical steering failure (rare)—power steering pump failure or steering column issues.
Oversteering or understeering in a corner—excessive speed or sudden inputs can break traction.
Understeer: the front tires lose traction and the car pushes straight ahead instead of turning. Ease off the gas, avoid braking hard, and allow the tires to regain grip before gently steering again. Oversteer: the rear tires lose traction and the rear of the car swings outward. Steer gently into the slide (if the rear goes left, steer left) and ease off the accelerator. Both require smooth, calm inputs—sharp corrections make both situations dramatically worse.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) significantly reduces the risk of loss-of-control emergencies by applying individual brakes and adjusting engine power to help maintain directional control. However, ESC has limits—it cannot overcome excessive speed, severely worn tires, or complete ice surfaces where no grip exists. It works with the tires you have, not instead of them. Properly inflated, seasonal-appropriate tires are still your most important active safety system. ESC is a safety net, not a substitute for appropriate tires and speeds.
Don't immediately accelerate back to speed—take a moment to assess what caused the event.
Pull over safely when possible and inspect your tires for damage or unusual pressure loss.
Check for any handling changes: persistent pulling, vibration, or steering wheel off-centre can indicate damage.
If you hit something (curb, guardrail, pothole) during the emergency, have the alignment and suspension inspected before further highway driving.
Report black ice or road hazards to 511 or local transport authorities to protect other drivers.
