Fishtailing, where the rear end of a vehicle slides uncontrollably, can be a frightening and dangerous experience, especially on slippery or low-friction surfaces. Knowing how to effectively manage and prevent fishtailing is essential for maintaining control of your vehicle and ensuring safety on the road. In this article, we will explore step-by-step techniques to stop fishtailing and provide tips to help you avoid this hazardous situation altogether.

What is Fishtailing

When the rear end of a vehicle slides back and forth, this is known as fishtailing. It usually involves only the rear wheels and happens when the tires lose traction on the road surface. It is the result of a driver losing control of the vehicle and can be very dangerous, although it isn’t always a sign of bad driving. Hidden conditions like black ice can cause a responsible driver to fishtail even when he or she drives perfectly. Generally, fishtailing is more common among vehicles with rear wheel drive, although front wheel drive vehicles are not exempt from this problem.

What can cause fishtailing? 

There are several things that can cause fishtailing. Conditions like ice, water, and snow can cause a car to fishtail because they reduce traction on the roadway, which can cause the rear wheels of a vehicle to slide out of control. The risk of fishtailing also increases at high speeds, or when a driver brakes very suddenly. In some cases, a car may start to fishtail when a driver approaches a curve poorly. Drivers who deliberately fishtail usually try to turn the fishtail into a slide, as is the case with people who engage in drifting.

Difference between fishtailing and hydroplaning 

Fishtailing and hydroplaning are both dangerous driving conditions that result in a loss of vehicle control, but they occur under different circumstances and have distinct characteristics. Fishtailing occurs when the rear end of the vehicle swings from side to side, typically on slippery or low-friction surfaces such as icy, snowy, or leaf-covered roads. This can be caused by sudden acceleration or deceleration, sharp turns, or sudden steering movements. Symptoms of fishtailing include the rear end of the vehicle sliding uncontrollably and difficulty in maintaining a straight path.

On the other hand, hydroplaning happens when a vehicle’s tires lose contact with the road surface due to a layer of water, causing the vehicle to glide uncontrollably on the water surface. This is often caused by standing water on the road, driving at high speeds on wet roads, or having worn-out tires with insufficient tread depth. Symptoms of hydroplaning include a sudden loss of steering control, the vehicle feeling like it’s gliding or floating, and an increase in engine revs without a corresponding increase in speed.

While both fishtailing and hydroplaning result in a loss of vehicle control and are caused by low-friction surfaces, the specific conditions and mechanisms differ. Fishtailing is commonly associated with icy or snowy conditions where tires lose traction but remain in contact with the road. In contrast, hydroplaning is associated with wet roads where tires lose contact with the road surface entirely. Understanding these differences is crucial for maintaining safety on the road.

Fishtailing can be a scary experience for a driver. The whole car tends to shake and wobble, and it will drift out of control across the roadway since the rear wheels have lost their traction. In some cases, a bout of fishtailing can cause a car to turn completely around, or it can launch a car into a lane of oncoming traffic. It is also sometimes possible to hear the gas in the tank sloshing around, which is why some people call fishtailing “tank slapping.”

Step by Step – How to Stop Fishtailing

When you find yourself in a fishtailing situation, it’s essential to know the right steps to regain control of your vehicle. Here’s a detailed guide on how to stop fishtailing effectively:

Step 1: Ease Off the Gas

To begin, immediately stop accelerating. Continuing to accelerate can make the fishtail worse and harder to control.

Step 2: Steer in the Direction of the Skid

Next, gently steer in the direction of the skid. For example, if the rear end of the vehicle is skidding to the right, steer to the right. Avoid jerking the wheel, as this can exacerbate the fishtail.

Step 3: Avoid Sharp or Sudden Braking

Sharp or sudden braking can worsen the skid. Instead, ease off the gas and pump the brakes lightly but quickly to slow down.

Step 4: Steer Carefully

Continue steering in the direction of the skid while being careful not to oversteer. Oversteering can cause the vehicle to lose further control.

Step 5: Direct the Skid Safely

If you start fishtailing in traffic, try to direct the skid towards the side of the road. This minimizes the risk of colliding with oncoming vehicles.

Step 6: Engage the Clutch (for Stick-Shift Vehicles)

For those driving a stick-shift vehicle, keep the clutch engaged throughout the process to maintain control.

Ideally, of course, drivers should avoid fishtailing altogether. If you know that you are going to be driving on low friction roads, drive slowly, avoid sudden braking, and take turns slowly, accelerating out of the turn to increase your traction. If you live in a region which is prone to black ice, try to avoid driving in the early morning and evening, when black ice is at its worst.

If you have a stick-shift, keep the clutch engaged.

IF YOU GET INTO A LOCKED WHEEL SKID 

A locked wheel skid is usually caused by a person braking too hard at a high rate of speed and locking the wheels. The vehicle will skid no matter which way the steering wheel is turned until you release the brakes to unlock the wheels. Then, straighten the front wheels as the vehicle begins to straighten out. Slow the vehicle gradually until you are at a safe speed to continue your trip.

STEERING WHEEL LOCKING DEVICE 

Never turn your vehicle’s ignition to the “lock” position while it is still in motion. This will cause the steering to lock if you try to turn the steering wheel and you will lose control of your vehicle. Chronic traffic congestion is the California commuter’s biggest headache, but even small changes in driving habits could provide fast relief, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS).

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