How can you tell if you are experiencing a rear-wheel skid?

When experiencing a rear-wheel skid, the most noticeable characteristic is that the front end of the vehicle begins to turn out of your intended path of travel. This happens because when the rear tires lose traction, the back of the vehicle can swing out, causing the car to steer in a different direction than where you are trying to go. This scenario creates an oversteering condition, which is a defining feature of rear-wheel skids.

In contrast, when tires are spinning but not moving, RPMs may rise, but those indicators could correspond to different issues like stuck in snow rather than a skid. Similarly, a shift in the center of mass may not directly indicate a rear-wheel skid and can happen under various driving conditions. Understanding these dynamics helps you react appropriately when losing control of your vehicle.