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What should you do if your car spins out of control?

I've heard varying things and conflicting advice on what you should do if your car spins out of control. How do you stay safe when your car spins out of control?

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“It’s frightening when you lose control of your car!
When your car spins out, try to remain as calm as possible. That’s perhaps the most crucial component, as you can remember what to do next if you don’t panic.
Resist the urge to slam the brakes, which can cause your brakes to lock up. Let your car slow naturally, allowing the tires to re-grip the road.
Attempt to keep the steering wheel straight until you regain some semblance of control. If you have to avoid an obstacle, avoid oversteering.
After you have a bit of control, you can apply firm pressure on the brakes or pump the brakes if you have anti-lock brakes. At this point, you should have total control, so pull over and catch your breath.
Because spinouts can happen at any time, you might also want to consider adding
collision coverage
to your
car insurance
for peace of mind and to pay for any damage caused as a result of your spinout.
If you want help adding these policies and finding the best rates, try the
Jerry
app. Jerry compares rates from the top providers and delivers the best deals to your phone in minutes for free.”
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