What is the most common cause of a skid?

The most common cause of a skid is the rear wheels losing traction due to excessive braking or acceleration. This situation typically occurs when a driver applies the brakes too hard or accelerates too quickly, particularly on wet or slippery surfaces. When the rear wheels lose grip, the vehicle may begin to slide or spin, which can lead to a loss of control.

Understanding vehicle dynamics is crucial for safe driving. If the rear wheels are skidding, the driver may experience oversteer, making it difficult to maintain a straight path. This scenario emphasizes the importance of smooth and gradual inputs in both acceleration and braking to help maintain traction.

In contrast, while front wheel lock-up can lead to skidding, it is less common than rear wheel skidding in many situations, particularly with load distribution in larger vehicles. Driving too slowly can also lead to a lack of control but is not a direct cause of a skid. Lastly, not using the correct gear generally affects performance rather than directly contributing to skidding. Therefore, understanding the dynamics of rear wheel traction is crucial for avoiding skids and maintaining vehicle stability.