What is it called when a vehicle skids because the rear tires lose traction?

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When a vehicle skids because the rear tires lose traction, this condition is known as oversteer. Oversteer occurs when the back end of the car slides out during a turn due to the rear tires losing grip before the front tires. This typically happens if a driver turns the steering wheel too sharply or accelerates too quickly while cornering, leading to a loss of control at the rear wheels.

In contrast, understeer is when the front tires lose traction, causing the vehicle to continue in a straight line instead of turning as intended. Brake fade refers to a decrease in braking effectiveness due to overheating, often from prolonged use of the brakes, while drifting involves controlled sliding of the vehicle through turns, which is typically a skillful maneuver performed by experienced drivers. Understanding these terms helps in recognizing and reacting appropriately to different handling situations while driving.