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such as braking or turning. To control a skid, you have to know the difference between what momentum is trying to do and what you want your car to do and then compensate for it. This sounds much harder than it really is.

There are two main kinds of skids: straight-line skids and sideways skids, or fishtails. Fishtails affect only the back half of your car. Straight-line skids affect your entire car.

In a fishtail, the front end of the car follows the path you laid down for it, but the driving wheels skid out to one side, along the path you were originally taking. A fishtail is much less likely to happen with a four wheel drive, but it can happen there too. Many cars fishtail a little as they round a snowy intersection. It doesn't have to happen. Just take the intersection turn more slowly. However, if you do find yourself fishtailing, just ease off on the gas until you feel the tires grip again. If it is a strong fishtail, turn gently into it, but be careful not to overcorrect.

In a straight-line skid, your car just keeps going. If you are lucky it is doing it while still pointed the right way around. More often, one or two wheels have slightly more traction than the others, which pulls the car sideways or into a full 180. Most of those spectacular skids you see on the news are straight-line skids. First, take your foot off the brake and off the gas. If your car has started to slip sideways, turn gently into the skid, and be prepared to turn the wheel again in the opposite direction if necessary. Wait until you feel the tires grip again before you touch the brake or accelerator.

Practice before you need it

Find a nice, empty snow-covered area with plenty of room for mistakes. A mall parking lot after hours works well. Then experiment. Try to turn while stepping on the gas or braking. Learn how far you have to ease off to restore traction. Repeat as necessary until controlling a skid becomes second nature.

In short, take it slow and easy, don't panic and don't overreact, and you should have no problem on the roads this winter.

Learn more about this author, Cameron Scott.
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