Several actions can cause a car to skid, primarily stemming from a loss of traction between the tires and the road surface.
Here's a breakdown:
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Oversteering: This occurs when the rear wheels lose traction, causing the back of the car to slide outwards. This is often triggered by:
- Making a sharp turn, particularly at higher speeds.
- Attempting to straighten the steering wheel too quickly after a turn.
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Excessive Braking (Wheel Lock-up): Applying the brakes too forcefully can cause the wheels to stop rotating while the vehicle is still moving. This eliminates the tires' ability to provide steering control. Factors include:
- Slamming on the brakes, especially on slippery surfaces.
- Driving a vehicle without ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), or when ABS malfunctions.
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Excessive Acceleration: Applying too much power, especially while turning, can cause the drive wheels to lose traction and spin. This is more common in:
- Rear-wheel-drive vehicles.
- Vehicles with high horsepower.
- Slippery road conditions.
- Accelerating mid-turn, upsetting the car's balance.
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Road Conditions: External factors drastically impact tire traction:
- Slippery Surfaces: Ice, snow, rain, oil, and gravel reduce the grip between tires and the road.
- Uneven Surfaces: Potholes or bumps can momentarily lift a tire off the road, causing a loss of traction.
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Other Contributing Factors:
- Improper Tire Inflation: Underinflated or overinflated tires reduce the contact patch with the road.
- Worn Tires: Tires with little tread depth have reduced grip, especially in wet conditions.
- Sudden Steering Inputs: Abruptly jerking the steering wheel can upset the car's balance and cause a skid.
In summary, a car skid is generally caused by situations that overpower the tire's ability to maintain grip with the road, whether through excessive braking, acceleration, steering, or adverse road conditions.
