How do you handle a front-wheel skid?

How do you handle a front-wheel skid?

• A. Hold the front brake and steer into the skid.
• B. Release the front brake immediately to get wheel rolling again. Then reapply the front brake smoothly, with increasing pressure.
• C. Continue braking hard until you stop.
• D. Switch to rear brake only.

Answer: (B)

When the front wheel starts to skid, the tire has lost traction under braking, so you want to restore grip rather than try to brake harder. Ease off the front brake right away to let the wheel roll again and regain contact with the road. As you feel the wheel gripping again, reapply the front brake smoothly with gradual pressure to slow you down without locking the tire once more. Keep the steering steady and look where you want to go, and avoid locking the front wheel or switching to only the rear brake, since those actions waste the moment of regained traction and can lead to a loss of control.

When the front wheel starts to skid, the tire has lost traction under braking, so you want to restore grip rather than try to brake harder. Ease off the front brake right away to let the wheel roll again and regain contact with the road. As you feel the wheel gripping again, reapply the front brake smoothly with gradual pressure to slow you down without locking the tire once more. Keep the steering steady and look where you want to go, and avoid locking the front wheel or switching to only the rear brake, since those actions waste the moment of regained traction and can lead to a loss of control.