If your front wheel skids as a result of braking, you should:
Answers
Keep the front brake engaged.
Release the front brake immediately and re-apply the brake smoothly.
Release the front brake and only use the rear brake.
Release both brakes and coast to a stop.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: Release the front brake immediately and re-apply the brake smoothly.
Explanation:
When a front wheel skids while braking, it indicates that the braking force is too much for the front tire to handle, causing a loss of traction. Skidding can lead to a loss of control, and if not corrected, can result in a crash or injury. The key to regaining control in this situation is to carefully manage the braking process and avoid abruptly releasing the brake or locking the wheel.
- Why not keep the front brake engaged?
Keeping the front brake engaged while the wheel is skidding is dangerous because it keeps the wheel locked, which increases the risk of a fall or loss of control. A locked wheel loses all traction, making it very difficult to steer or stop safely. - Why not release both brakes and coast to a stop?
Simply releasing both brakes and coasting to a stop is not the most efficient or safe way to regain control. While coasting may stop the skid, it doesn’t provide the necessary stopping power, especially in an emergency situation where you need to slow down quickly. - Why not only use the rear brake?
Relying solely on the rear brake after a front-wheel skid might reduce the overall braking effectiveness. The rear brake alone cannot provide the same stopping power as the front brake. Using both brakes is generally more effective in stopping a vehicle safely. - Correct response – Release and re-apply the front brake smoothly:
The best course of action when the front wheel starts to skid is to immediately release the front brake. This action helps to reduce the chance of the wheel locking further and restores traction. After releasing, you should smoothly re-apply the brake to regain control. Gradual re-application allows the tire to regain traction while still providing the necessary stopping power. Additionally, if you can, use the rear brake lightly to help stop without causing instability.
In short, the key to controlling a skid is smooth and controlled braking, allowing both wheels to provide traction and stopping force without locking up.