Can Locked Rear Wheels During Braking Cause Side Slip or Fishtailing?
2 Answers
Locked rear wheels during braking can cause side slip or fishtailing because, during vehicle motion, braking may lead to wheel lock-up. This occurs due to the braking torque, causing the wheels to stop rotating and slide on the road surface—essentially, the tires stop turning, and the car slides like a brick on the road. Wheel lock-up results in pure sliding friction between the wheels and the ground. Front wheel lock-up can lead to loss of steering control, making the vehicle unable to follow the intended direction and instead veer towards the direction of least resistance. Rear wheel lock-up, on the other hand, can cause what is commonly known as drifting. Since locked wheels lose the ability to resist lateral forces, side slip and loss of vehicle control may occur. When wheels lock up, releasing the brake pedal is necessary. Vehicles equipped with ABS systems can effectively prevent such situations. Emergency braking is considered safe at speeds between 80-120 km/h, but exceeding 120 km/h during emergency braking can increase the risk of side slip or fishtailing. Emergency braking refers to the situation where, during driving, the driver quickly and correctly applies the brakes to stop the vehicle in the shortest possible distance when encountering an emergency. Methods to release locked wheels include: Releasing the brake pedal and kicking the sidewall of the tire a few times or using a spare tire; Installing an ABS system, which effectively prevents skidding and lock-up, maximizes braking efficiency, reduces braking time and distance, and prevents side slip and fishtailing during emergency braking; Maintaining good steering control during emergency braking; Avoiding excessive friction between the tires and the road surface, thereby reducing tire wear.
When you apply the brakes while driving, if the rear wheels lock up, it can indeed lead to a skid or fishtailing. This mainly happens because during hard braking, the rear wheels stop rotating completely, losing traction and causing the rear of the car to swing outward, much like sliding on ice. As a driving instructor, I often see students experience this during rainy-day practice sessions when they brake too abruptly—the car body sways like a fish's tail, causing panic. Especially at high speeds, once fishtailing occurs, the vehicle is likely to lose control or even roll over. Therefore, it's crucial to brake gently, applying the brakes in several light taps. Alternatively, cars equipped with ABS systems can automatically prevent wheel lock-up, maintaining vehicle stability. Remember, this danger is more likely to occur on wet or muddy roads, and practicing braking techniques can significantly reduce the risk.
