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 footoff the accelerator pedal.Remember: Any traction control system helps avoidonly the acceleration skid. If your traction control systemis off, then an acceleration skid is also best handledby easing 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, tryyour best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration,or braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shiftingto a lower gear. Any sudden changes could causethe tires to slide. You may not realize the surfaceis slippery until your vehicle is skidding. Learn torecognize warning clues — such as enough water, ice,or packed snow on the road to make a mirroredsurface — and slow down when you have any doubt.Remember: Any Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)helps avoid only the braking skid.Competitive DrivingSee your warranty book before using your vehicle forcompetitive driving.Notice: If you use your vehicle for competitivedriving, the engine may use more oil than it wouldwith normal use. Low oil levels can damage theengine. Be sure to check the oil level often duringcompetitive driving and keep the level at or near theupper mark that shows the proper operating rangeon the engine oil dipstick. For information on how toadd oil, see Engine Oil on page 5-16.4-18
