A car spin-out is dangerous, and it can happen without notice and put you and other drivers at risk. If your car starts to spin out of control, try to stay calm. Next, you can take the proper steps to stop your vehicle from spinning out.

What Causes a Car to Spin Out of Control?

If you are driving on a slippery road and slam on the brakes and turn at the same time, your front tires will lock up. When this happens, your car will spin out of control, until it reaches a point in which the tires can once again grip the road. A spin-out increases the risk of an accident or collision. But, if you know how to control a spin-out in a car, you can protect yourself and others against accidents and collisions.

Car Spinning Out? What to Do When a Car Spins Out of Control

Here are five things you can do to control your car during a spin-out:

1. Avoid Slamming on the Brakes or Speeding Up

Do not slam on the brakes or speed up when your car starts to spin out. If you slam on the brakes, the brakes can lock up. Or, if you speed up, you'll make it more difficult for your car's tires to re-grip the road.

2. Reduce Your Speed

A spin-out can cause your car to spin in any direction, but you need to give your vehicle's tires time to re-grip the road. So, gradually take your foot off the accelerator. That way, you can slow down your car, which helps regain your tire’s grip on the road quicker.

3. Keep the Steering Wheel Straight

Try to keep the steering wheel straight. If you need to steer the wheel to avoid an intersection or curving road, simultaneously turn the wheel and decelerate slowly.

4. Maintain Firm Pressure on the Brake Pedal

If your car has anti-lock brakes, pump the brake pedal. Apply firm, consistent pressure to the brake pedal, as this helps reduce the risk that your brakes will lock.

5. Pull Off to the Side of the Road

A car spin-out can be stressful, so you may want to pull off to the side of the road to take a deep breath. Then, when you feel comfortable, you can return to the road.

How to Control a Car Spin-Out on Snow or Ice

Driving on snow or ice can put you in danger of experiencing a car spin-out. To control a car spin-out on snow or ice, here's what you need to do:

• Take your foot off of the accelerator.
• Slowly pump the brake pedal.
• Slowly steer away from the skid.

Snow and ice can be major problems for drivers. With the right approach to driving on snow or ice, you can prevent a spin-out.

What to Do If You Experience Car Damage Following a Spin-Out 

If your car spun out and damage has occurred, pull off the road and evaluate your vehicle. If minor damage has occurred, you may be able to continue to drive your car. If significant exterior damage has occurred, your car is making strange noises, fluids are leaking from your car, or you feel unsafe driving your vehicle, contact a tow company and have your vehicle towed home or to an auto body repair shop. Remember, car damage can be repaired after a spin-out. If you notice minor dents, dings, and scratches or substantial damage to your car following a spin-out, an auto body repair shop can correct these issues.

Can You Avoid a Car Spin-Out?

A car spin-out may be preventable if you use the following tips:

1. Proceed Cautiously in Inclement Weather Conditions

Snow, rain, and other inclement weather conditions can lead to slick roads that increase the risk of a spin-out. Whenever possible, avoid driving in severe weather conditions. If you drive in harsh weather conditions, proceed slowly and cautiously and create plenty of space between yourself and other drivers.

2. Control Your Brakes Properly

How you brake to lower the risk of a spin-out varies based on your vehicle type. For instance, you'll need to press the brake pad of a truck harder than that of a car to apply the same amount of pressure to the brake. Practice driving your vehicle in a wide range of weather conditions. This allows you to become better accustomed to how your vehicle's brakes perform in different weather conditions, so you can apply your brakes properly.

3. Avoid Driving Too Close to the Car in Front of You

Stay a safe distance from the car in front of you. If you follow too closely and the driver in front of you suddenly slams on their car's brakes, you may need to slam on your vehicle's brakes and turn the steering wheel to avoid a collision. In this scenario, you're also at risk of experiencing a spin-out. Safe driving is beneficial for you and other motorists, particularly when it comes to spin-outs that can lead to accidents and collisions. If you practice road safety, you can lower your risk of a spin-out.   This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Santa Cruz a leading industry expert and collision repair shop servicing the Santa Cruz area.