When the rear tires lose traction and the vehicle skids outward, this is called:

When the rear tires lose traction and the vehicle skids outward, this is called:

• A. Understeer
• B. Skid steer
• C. Oversteer
• D. Brake fade

Answer: (C)

When a vehicle is negotiating a turn, traction at the tires determines how closely it follows the intended path. If the rear tires lose grip before the front tires, the rear end slides outward, and the car rotates more than intended. This outward skid from the rear is called oversteer. It happens because the rear tires slip, causing the back of the car to swing toward the outside of the turn, which can lead to a loss of control if not managed. By contrast, understeer occurs when the front tires lose grip first, causing the car to push wide and not turn enough. Skid steer describes a vehicle that steers by skidding, typically not a normal passenger car. Brake fade is when braking effectiveness drops due to heat. So the scenario described—rear tires losing traction and the vehicle skidding outward—is oversteer.

When a vehicle is negotiating a turn, traction at the tires determines how closely it follows the intended path. If the rear tires lose grip before the front tires, the rear end slides outward, and the car rotates more than intended. This outward skid from the rear is called oversteer. It happens because the rear tires slip, causing the back of the car to swing toward the outside of the turn, which can lead to a loss of control if not managed.

By contrast, understeer occurs when the front tires lose grip first, causing the car to push wide and not turn enough. Skid steer describes a vehicle that steers by skidding, typically not a normal passenger car. Brake fade is when braking effectiveness drops due to heat. So the scenario described—rear tires losing traction and the vehicle skidding outward—is oversteer.