IF THE CAR SKIDS.

Putaruru Press, Volume IV, Issue 145, 12 August 1926, Page 7

IF THE CAR SKIDS.

HOW TROUBLE MAY BE AVOIDED. At this time of year, when the roads may be expected to be very frequently wet, it is well to remember that a skid may occur in spite of all precautions, but if the speed has been kept down it is not likely to prove dangerous. One may be driving comfortably enough at say 25 miles per hour on a road which, though wet, is not slippery, and run unexpectedly on to a piece of new surface ; and the car may become suddenly unmanageable and slide about in any direction. A violent application of the rear brakes will only make matters worse, and the best thing is to slow up gradually. Frbnt wheel brakes, if fitted, will sometimes steady a ear, but the best advice is to keep the speed down. A skid may occur in spite of all precautions, but if the speed has been kept down it is not likely to prove dangerous. When a skid does occur, it is well to release the clutch, for when the engine is disconnected from the road wheel it cannot accentuate the skid by driving the wheels round and causing them to slip in the direction of- rotation. Suppose, therefore, that the rear wheels skid to the left, the car will then be pointing to the i right-hand side, and if the. wheels quickly regain their rolling motion, Which is likely when the clutch is . released, the ear will head for the right-hand side of the road unless the froiit wheels are immediately turned to the left. This is known as steering into the skid, and it will do much to maintain the proper line ,of travel. In road races a driver will often skid his rear wheels intentionally for the' sake Of getting round a corner quickly. It is bad for his tyres and sometimes wrenches one off the wheel ; it is also bad for the chassis, and in touring it is bad practice generally. Finally, it is easier to avoid , a skid by careful driving than to correct one without hitting anything.