The Three Types of Skids and How to Correct Each
Last reviewed: 2026 · Driviology Road Safety Education Team
Quick Answer
There are three main types of skid - front-wheel, rear-wheel, and all-wheel - and each requires a specific corrective action, from easing off the accelerator to steering in the direction you want the vehicle to go.
Where our guide to skid control covers the general manual technique, this page breaks down the three specific types and their individual corrections.
Front-Wheel Skids
These occur when the front wheels lose traction; the correct response is to ease off the accelerator and avoid hitting the brakes suddenly.
Rear-Wheel and All-Wheel Skids
In a rear-wheel skid, steer in the direction you want to go and ease off the steering if the rear starts sliding the other way; an all-wheel skid requires easing off the gas while steering, with gentle braking only if the car does not respond.
Why the Distinction Matters
Applying the wrong correction for the wrong skid type can make the situation worse, which is why understanding the specific type in the moment matters as much as knowing to ease off inputs generally.