SkiddingIn a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonablecare suited to existing conditions, and by not overdrivingthose conditions. But skids are always possible.The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle’sthree control systems. In the braking skid, your wheelsare not rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too muchspeed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and losecornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too muchthrottle causes the driving wheels to spin.A cornering skid is best handled by easing your foot offthe accelerator pedal.Remember: Any traction control system helps avoid onlythe acceleration skid. If your traction control system isoff, then an acceleration skid is also best handled byeasing your foot off the accelerator pedal.If your vehicle starts to slide, ease your foot off theaccelerator pedal and quickly steer the way you wantthe vehicle to go. If you start steering quickly enough,your vehicle may straighten out. Always be readyfor a second skid if it occurs.Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,gravel, or other material is on the road. For safety, youwill want to slow down and adjust your driving to theseconditions. It is important to slow down on slipperysurfaces because stopping distance will be longer andvehicle control more limited.While driving on a surface with reduced traction,try your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,or braking, including engine braking by shifting toa lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tiresto slide. You may not realize the surface is slipperyuntil your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warningclues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snowon the road to make a mirrored surface — andslow down when you have any doubt.Remember: Any Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) helpsavoid only the braking skid.Competitive DrivingSee your warranty book before using your vehicle forcompetitive driving.Notice: If you use your vehicle for racing or othercompetitive driving, the engine may use moreoil than it would with normal use. Low oil levels candamage the engine. Be sure to check the oil leveloften during racing or other competitive driving andkeep the level at or near the upper mark thatshows the proper operating range on the engine oildipstick. For information on how to add oil, seeEngine Oil on page 5-16.4-18
