How to Handle a Skid on Icy Roads
Posted on March 4, 2025
Navigating icy roads is one of the greatest challenges for drivers during winter, and understanding how to handle a skidding car is crucial for staying safe. With nearly 30% of traffic accidents in Canada occurring on snowy or icy roads, knowing how to respond when your car starts skidding could make all the difference.
According to the Traffic Accident Information System (TAIS), approximately 5% of collisions occur during snowfall—often due to slippery conditions and sudden loss of control.
Whether dealing with a rear-wheel skid or a sideways skid, being prepared with the right techniques can help you regain control and avoid potential accidents.
In this guide, we’ll share expert advice on handling different types of skids, from skidding on ice to managing a skid in snow, so you can drive confidently no matter what winter throws your way.
Understanding Why Car Skidding Happens
Skidding occurs when there is a loss of traction between your tires and the road, causing your car to slide uncontrollably. This can happen when your tires can no longer grip the icy or slippery surface, leading to a lack of control.
Skidding is a common concern on icy roads, especially when certain actions or conditions cause your vehicle to lose traction. Here are some common causes of skidding on ice:
Sudden Braking
Quickly slamming on the brakes can cause the tires to lock up, especially on icy surfaces, leading to a skid.
Accelerating Too Quickly
Pressing the gas pedal too hard on icy roads can cause your tires to spin, lose traction, and result in a skid.
Sharp Turns or Oversteering
Taking sharp turns too quickly or oversteering can make your tires lose grip and cause you to skid, especially when the road is slick.
Black Ice and Untreated Roads
Black ice, which is often invisible, can catch drivers off guard and cause sudden skids. Similarly, untreated roads packed with snow or ice can create slippery conditions that increase the risk of skidding.
Several factors can make skidding worse:
- Speed: Driving too fast on icy roads reduces the time you have to react and makes it more difficult to regain control if you start skidding.
- Tire Condition: Worn-out tires or those that are not properly inflated offer less traction, making skidding more likely.
- Weight Distribution: Uneven weight distribution in the vehicle, such as a heavy load in the trunk or uneven passenger placement, can affect how your tires grip the road, increasing the chances of a skid.
By understanding these causes and factors, you can take the necessary precautions to reduce the likelihood of skidding on icy roads.
3 Types of Car Skids and How to Identify Them
Skidding on icy roads can happen in different ways, depending on which tires lose traction. Understanding the different types of skids and how to respond can help you regain control of your vehicle more effectively. Here are three common types of car skids and how to identify and recover from them.
1. Front-Wheel Skid (Understeer)
A front-wheel skid, or understeer, occurs when the front tires lose traction, and the car keeps moving straight even when you turn the steering wheel. This usually happens when the road is icy and you try to make a turn too quickly.
Key indicators: The main sign of understeer is a lack of steering response. You’ll feel like the car isn’t turning as sharply as you want it to, and the vehicle may continue on a straight path, even though you're trying to turn.
Recovery steps:
- Ease off the accelerator to reduce the speed.
- Avoid braking, as this can make the skid worse.
- Gently steer in the desired direction of the turn to regain control.
2. Rear-Wheel Skid (Oversteer)
A rear-wheel skid, or oversteer, happens when the rear of the car slides out sideways. This is more common in rear-wheel drive vehicles or when driving too fast on icy roads.
Key indicators: The vehicle will feel like it’s spinning or fishtailing, with the back end swinging out in one direction.
Here’s how to handle a rear wheel skid:
- Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the skid to correct the car’s path.
- Avoid overcorrection, as this can cause the vehicle to spin in the opposite direction.
3. All-Wheel Skid
An all-wheel skid occurs when all four tires lose traction simultaneously, making it difficult to control the vehicle. This is typically the result of extremely slick conditions or sudden changes in speed.
Recovery steps:
- Ease off the accelerator to allow the car to slow naturally.
- Do not brake suddenly, as this can make the situation worse.
- Let the vehicle gradually regain traction as you coast to a stop.
By recognizing which type of skid you're dealing with and taking the appropriate recovery steps, you can minimize the chances of a crash and maintain better control on icy roads.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Handle a Car Skid
When you’re driving on icy roads, staying in control during a skid is crucial to preventing an accident. Here’s how to handle a car skid safely and regain control of your vehicle.
1. Stay Calm and Focused
The first step in handling a skid is to stay calm and avoid panic. When your car starts to skid, your instinct might be to react quickly, but sudden movements can make the situation worse. Take a deep breath and focus on regaining control.
2. Avoid Slamming on the Brakes
It might be tempting to slam on the brakes to try and stop the skid, but this can actually make things worse, especially on icy surfaces. ABS (anti-lock braking system) can help on dry roads by preventing wheel lock-up, but it doesn’t always offer the same benefits on ice.
3. Gently Steer the Car
To regain control of your vehicle, focus on gently steering in the direction you want to go. It’s important to look at where you want to end up, not at where your car is sliding. This will help you naturally steer the car in the right direction. Make small, controlled adjustments to the steering wheel.
4. Ease Off the Accelerator
One of the most important things to do during a skid is to ease off the accelerator. Reducing speed allows your tires to regain traction and reduces the chances of spinning out of control. Allow your car to slow down naturally instead of abruptly trying to brake, as this can further upset the balance of the vehicle.
5. Understand the Role of Tires
Tires play a critical role in how well your car handles a skid. Winter tires or chains can significantly improve your traction on icy roads, making it easier to regain control in a skid. They are designed to grip the road better in cold, snowy conditions, giving you more stability and control during slippery weather.
Proactive Tips to Avoid Car Skidding
Preventing car skidding starts with preparation and smart driving habits. Here are some proactive tips to help you stay safe and maintain control on icy roads.
1. Drive Defensively
Defensive driving is key to avoiding skids in winter. Reduce your speed and increase the distance between your car and the vehicle ahead to allow more time to react. Approach turns and intersections cautiously, avoiding sudden braking or acceleration.
2. Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter
Regularly check your tire pressure since it can drop in cold weather, affecting your tires’ performance. Inspect and maintain your windshield wipers and ensure your defroster and heater are in good working condition to keep your visibility clear.
Don’t forget to top off essential fluids, such as windshield washer fluid and antifreeze, and schedule routine maintenance to address any potential issues before winter weather arrives.
3. Learn About Your Vehicle’s Features
Modern cars often come with features designed to improve stability and traction, such as ABS (anti-lock braking system) and ESC (electronic stability control). Take the time to understand how these systems work and how they can assist during a skid.
4. Know the Road Conditions
Before heading out, check the weather forecast and road conditions in your area. If roads are reported to be icy or untreated, consider postponing your trip if possible. While driving, watch for signs of black ice, such as glossy or wet-looking patches on the road, and adjust your speed accordingly.
Stay in Control This Winter with Expert Care
Dealing with a skid on icy roads can be intimidating, but the key to staying safe lies in preparation and confidence. Understanding how to handle skidding in a car, combined with regular winter vehicle maintenance, ensures you’re ready for even the toughest road conditions.
At CarHub Caledon Chrysler, we’re here to help you navigate the winter months with ease. From equipping your vehicle with the right winter tires to providing expert maintenance checks, we’ll ensure your car is ready to handle whatever the season throws your way.
Don’t wait for winter to catch you off guard—schedule your maintenance check today and drive with confidence all season long!