What to Do When the Vehicle Deviates During Braking on Wet Roads?
2 Answers
When the vehicle deviates during braking on wet roads, the correct approach is to first firmly grip the steering wheel and avoid slamming on the brakes. In this situation, immediately pressing the brake pedal can easily cause a rollover. If the rear wheels are locked and the pedal is not released, the car may experience a fishtailing phenomenon; if the front wheels are locked and the pedal is not released, the car's direction may become uncontrollable. Below are precautions for safe driving on slippery roads: While driving: On slippery roads, it is advisable to follow the tracks of the vehicle ahead to avoid sliding off the road. Maintain a steady speed in third gear and avoid sudden braking to prevent the vehicle from skidding into a ditch. In case of rear-wheel skidding: If the vehicle's rear wheels skid during braking, immediately release the brake and use a one-press-one-release method (i.e., pumping the brakes), while gently steering in the same direction as the skid to help the vehicle regain stability. For front-wheel skidding, gently steer in the opposite direction of the skid. Starting the vehicle: Apply the throttle smoothly and avoid high RPM starts with a heavy foot on the accelerator. Due to the low tire adhesion on slippery roads, high RPM starts can easily cause tire spin and make it difficult to start the vehicle.
That day on the highway, I encountered heavy rain. While I was braking to slow down, the car suddenly started veering to the left, which made me quite nervous. I had learned before that this could be caused by insufficient tire grip on the wet road or braking too hard, leading to skidding. In such a situation, it's important to stay calm and avoid sudden movements. Many people's first instinct is to jerk the steering wheel or slam on the brakes, but that would only make things worse. I should gradually release the brake pedal to reduce the pressure on the tires, then gently steer the wheel slightly in the opposite direction of the skid—for example, if the car is veering right, steer a little to the left, but keep the adjustment minimal and within the normal turning range of the wheels. Once the car stabilizes, I can try gently braking to slow down. Regularly checking tire tread wear is also crucial, as worn-out tires are more likely to lose control on wet roads. Additionally, it's good to know whether the vehicle has an ABS system, which helps control braking force to prevent wheel lock-up. In short, practicing these reactions in a safe environment and developing good habits can reduce risks—after all, driving safety is the top priority.
