Sometimes all four wheels lose traction. This generally occurs when the vehicle is driven at a speed too fast for conditions. Here are three situations that often result in four-wheel skids: 1) you enter a curve that is wet or covered with ice, snow, sand, gravel or wet leaves; 2) you are driving down the road and cross a bridge covered with invisible ice, commonly referred to as "black ice"; 3) you are driving on a slippery straight road and apply the brakes too hard (generally in this situation the rear wheels will lock or skid a second or two before the front wheels). The most effective way to get your vehicle back under control when all four wheels skid is:

1. Ease foot off the accelerator or take your foot off the brake.

2. De-clutch on a car with manual transmission or shift to neutral (if you are certain of finding neutral immediately) on a car with automatic transmission.

3. Look and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go.

4. Wait for the wheels to grip the road again. As soon as the wheels regain traction, the vehicle will travel in the desired direction.

5. Release the clutch or shift to drive and maintain a safe speed.

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