As the weather turns colder and the chance of snow and ice-covered roads increases, it’s a good time to prepare for winter driving. You can proactively reduce your speed, keep the tires in good condition, use extra caution, and have a roadside assistance plan in place—but even the most careful and prepared drivers sometimes lose control and start to spin out. Here’s what to do to avoid a serious accident.

4 Tips to Handle a Skid While Driving

1. Don’t Slam the Brakes

Your first instinct when the automobile slips may be to slam the brakes, but that may spin the vehicle out. Instead, gently press the brake pedal for a second or two, and then release it. Repeat as needed to stop the car.

This process reduces friction on your tires, preventing flat spots and keeping your brakes and their hoses from overheating and wearing out prematurely. Slamming the brakes can also damage your vehicle’s drive shaft.

Keep in mind that if your vehicle is equipped with electronic stability control (ESC) or an anti-lock braking system (ABS), those features will help prevent a skid too. 

2. Don’t Accelerate

Focus on slowing down and regaining stability, not going faster. Keep both hands on the wheel, and never shift the car into neutral, which can further decrease control. Instead, take your foot off of the gas pedal to slow your automobile.

3. Steer Into the Skid

When your vehicle begins to spin, turn into it to straighten out. Your instinct may be to jerk the wheel in the opposite direction, but that could cause an overcorrection, a dangerous fishtail, or an accident.

When you steer into the skid, the vehicle may slip into the other direction, but gently maneuvering into it will straighten the car out. Also, look where you want to go, as your natural tendency is to steer in that direction. 

4. Pull Over

An extreme skid can cause a surge of adrenaline, and you may need to relax. If you got stuck on a snowy road or made contact with anything when you slid, roadside assistance usually provides 24-hour emergency towing service.

Whether you spin out on a snowy road or need help getting your vehicle up and running again this winter, call Bolster's Towing. This Kalispell, MT, towing company has served the Greater Flathead Valley area for more than 45 years and offers 24-hour service by certified staff. Call them at (406) 752-4528 for roadside assistance, or visit them online to learn more about their services.