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Question

Difficulty: MediumSkid Control and Recovery

As you navigate a curved highway ramp on wet pavement following a light rain, the drive wheels lose traction and the rear of your vehicle begins stepping out toward the left. Which of the following actions should you take first to regain control?

  1. A
    Steer sharply to the right away from the direction of the slide while accelerating slightly to pull the vehicle straight.
  2. Ease off the accelerator without touching the brake, steer to the left in the direction of the slide, and counter-steer as the vehicle straightens.Answer
  3. C
    Activate the engine retarder to high power so engine drag slows the spinning drive axle without locking the brakes.
  4. D
    Apply firm, continuous service brakes while in the curve to scrub off speed before attempting to adjust steering.

Answer

Ease off the accelerator without touching the brake, steer in the direction of the slide (to the left), and counter-steer as the vehicle begins to straighten.
To recover from a drive-wheel skid, the driver must stop acceleration or braking so the drive wheels can roll freely and regain lateral traction. The driver must quickly turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide (to the left when the rear steps out to the left) and be prepared to counter-steer immediately as the vehicle straightens to avoid a secondary skid.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Remove foot from the accelerator and refrain from applying the service brakes.
Removes driving torque and braking torque, allowing slipping drive tires to regain rolling lateral traction.
Locked or spinning tires cannot generate lateral grip to stabilize the vehicle.
2
Turn the steering wheel quickly in the direction the rear of the vehicle is sliding (to the left).
Aligns the front steer tires with the rear slide trajectory to prevent a full spin-out.
Steering in the direction of the slide stops the rear from swinging out further.
3
Counter-steer back toward the intended travel path as soon as the vehicle begins to straighten.
Prevents secondary skid (whip-around) in the opposite direction.
Failing to counter-steer in time causes the vehicle to violently snap back and skid in the reverse direction.

Key Concept

Drive-Wheel Skid Recovery and Traction Management
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Skid Control and Recovery

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