If the rear end slides left during a turn, what's the first action to take?

• A. Take your foot off the gas
• B. Apply brakes gently
• C. Turn the wheel to the right
• D. Accelerate

Answer: (A)

When the rear end slides left, you’re experiencing oversteer and the immediate goal is to regain traction. The first action is to lift off the accelerator. Reducing throttle lowers power to the rear wheels, helps reduce the swing of the tail, and makes it easier for the tires to grip again. Braking gently can sometimes help, but applying brakes while the rear is sliding can lock wheels and worsen the skid. Turning the wheel to the right would push the car further into the slide; you correct by steering into the direction of the skid after the car starts to regain grip, which means steering left as the tail comes back in line. Accelerating would worsen the loss of traction. After you’ve eased off and the car begins to stabilize, straighten the wheels and reapply gentle throttle as you regain control.