A locked wheel skid is typically caused by braking too hard at high speed. Which option best describes this in practice?

• A. It usually improves with light braking
• B. It is caused by braking too softly
• C. It is caused by braking too hard at high speed
• D. It only occurs when ABS is engaged

Answer: (C)

Locked wheel skids happen when the braking force exceeds what the tires can grip at that speed, so the wheels stop turning while the car keeps moving. In practice, that means brakes are applied too hard for the road conditions and speed, causing the tires to lose rotation and slide across the surface. You then lose steering control because a sliding tire can’t generate the lateral grip needed to steer. To avoid this, brake smoothly and progressively, planning braking as you slow and especially as you approach turns or slick surfaces. If your vehicle has ABS, it will modulate brake pressure to prevent a lock; if you do sense lock, ease off slightly to regain wheel rotation and then reapply with steady pressure. This description aligns with the real-world effect of braking too hard at high speed, rather than light braking or braking too softly, and it isn’t something that only happens with ABS engaged.