These are the main factors that affect traction while driving:

Signs of hydroplaning – this is the most difficult loss of traction for a driver to recognize • Water standing on the roadway.

If You Lose Traction

1. Gently reduce pressure on brakes – if on ice, push in the clutch to let the wheels turn freely.
2. Turn the steering wheel quickly – look and steer in the direction you want to go.
3. Counter-steer – as the vehicle gets back on course, counter-steer to avoid skidding in the opposite direction.

• The material the road surface is made from.
• The condition of the road.
• The condition of your tires.
• The weight of your vehicle.
• The balance of your vehicle.

Your best bet is to try to regain traction. Jerking your wheels straight and then slowly turning them in the direction you want to go can help your wheels gain traction so you avoid skidding off the road. Prevent ever getting into an Understeer Skid by slowing down to an appropriate speed before turning.

Slow Down – As rain falls, it mixes with grime and oil on the road creating slick conditions perfect for skids. The best way to avoid skidding is to slow down. Driving at a slower pace allows more of the tire’s tread to make contact with the road, which leads to better traction.

All-wheel-drive vehicles sense wheel slip and adapt to wet weather very well. AWD is better than FWD in the rain. You will notice the difference right away. Remember this:AWD helps keep your car stable on wet pavement.

Do you rotate tires on All Wheel Drive Vehicle? It is necessary because regardless of tire and vehicle type, each wheel position on an AWD platform sees varying degrees of driving traction and steering.

every 5,000 to 7,500 miles

Replacing just one or two tires on an AWD vehicle could cause unnecessary wear and tear on your drivetrain, or confuse the traction control system to think that you are frequently losing traction. A new tire is larger in diameter than one of the same brand, type and size that’s part way through its tread life.

For rear-wheel drive or AWD/4WD, the rotation pattern goes as follows:

1. Left rear goes to right front.
2. Right rear goes to the left front.
3. Right front goes to left rear.
4. Left front goes to the right rear.