DEFENSIVE > SLIDING

Sliding

A slide will be induced in a vehicle when there is a force along a certain axis that exceeds the traction between the tires and the road surface.

We can divide cause of the slide into two main sections as listed below.

? Questions:

• ⮟ What causes a car to slide?

☠️ Alert:

• ⮟ Dangers of a vehicle sliding.

Traction:

• ➤ Road surface.

• ➤ Tires

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Force:

• ➤ Lateral

• ➤ Longitudinal

• ➤ Vertical

• ➤ External

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? What causes a car to slide?

A car can slide or lose traction for several reasons, including:

• Poor Road Conditions: Slippery road surfaces, such as wet, icy, or snowy roads, can significantly reduce tire grip and cause the car to slide. Reduced traction on the road surface makes it easier for the tires to lose grip and slide.

• Excessive Speed: Driving at a speed that exceeds the safe limit for the road conditions increases the likelihood of sliding. When you brake or turn at high speeds, the tires may lose traction and cause the car to slide.

• Oversteering or Understeering: Oversteering occurs when the rear tires lose traction and cause the rear end of the car to slide out. Understeering happens when the front tires lose grip, resulting in the car's nose sliding towards the outside of the turn. Both situations can lead to a loss of control and sliding.

• Braking Too Hard: Slamming on the brakes abruptly or braking too hard while turning can cause the tires to lock up, resulting in a loss of traction and sliding.

• Tire Issues: Worn-out or improperly inflated tires can compromise grip and increase the chances of sliding. Tires with low tread depth or inadequate traction on specific road surfaces may not be able to maintain proper grip.

• Suspension or Alignment Problems: Faulty suspension or misalignment issues can affect tire contact with the road, reducing grip and making the car more prone to sliding.

To prevent sliding, it's essential to adjust your driving behavior to the road conditions, maintain a safe and appropriate speed, and ensure your tires are in good condition with proper inflation. Additionally, practicing smooth and gradual acceleration, braking, and steering can help maintain traction and reduce the risk of sliding.

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☠️ Dangers of a vehicle sliding

A vehicle sliding on the road can be a dangerous situation, especially if the driver is unable to regain control of the vehicle. Some of the dangers of a vehicle sliding on the road include:

• Loss of control: When a vehicle starts to slide, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, making it difficult to steer or brake.

• Increased risk of collision: Sliding vehicles are more likely to collide with other vehicles or objects on the road, which can result in serious injuries or fatalities.

• Reduced visibility: Sliding vehicles may kick up snow, mud, or other debris, reducing visibility for other drivers and increasing the risk of collisions.

• Damage to the vehicle: Sliding vehicles may sustain damage to the tires, suspension, or body of the vehicle, which can be costly to repair.

• Increased risk of rollovers: Depending on the speed and angle of the slide, there is an increased risk of the vehicle rolling over, which can be extremely dangerous.

It's important for drivers to take precautions to avoid sliding on the road, especially in inclement weather conditions. This includes slowing down, maintaining a safe following distance, avoiding sudden braking or acceleration, and ensuring that the vehicle's tires are in good condition and properly inflated.

If you do find yourself sliding, it's important to remain calm, avoid overcorrecting, and steer the vehicle in the direction of the slide until you regain control.

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