Identifying that you are in an understeer situation is the only way you can know to correct it. Pay close attention to the response you get from your vehicle to identify understeer.
Turning more and hitting your brakes could lock the tires and remove any control you currently have over the vehicle. If the brakes do slow the vehicle quickly, the weight of the vehicle will shift onto the front wheels that are turned too far, resulting in the vehicle suddenly and wildly changing directions.
Point the wheels in the same direction the vehicle is moving to allow the tires to start spinning again. Make sure to maintain total control of the wheel as you allow it to center itself.
Be sure to straighten the wheel out before easing off the throttle to avoid the vehicle turning suddenly as grip returns to the tires. Easing off the throttle will only work if the tires are pointed in the direction the vehicle is moving.
Be careful not to press on the brake pedal too hard or abruptly. If you lock up the front tires under braking, take your foot back off the brake pedal to allow the wheels to begin turning again.
The best way to avoid panic is to develop an understanding of what causes dangerous situations. You cannot correct understeer without identifying it.
In extreme understeer situations, the vehicle will not turn but will continue to go straight regardless of steering input. In less extreme situations, your ability to turn may just be limited.
When the steering wheel suddenly gets much easier to turn, be careful not to turn the wheel even further due to the loss of resistance. Some luxury cars may be more difficult to read steering resistance in due to their light wheel resistance to begin with.
If you slam on your brakes and they lock up, the vehicle will understeer due to a lack of traction. Vehicle’s equipped with anti-lock brakes can still understeer due to heavy braking.
You are more likely to lock up your tires if you are turning and braking at the same time.
When traction is limited due to road conditions, drive slower and carry less speed into turns. Follow posted speed limits and pay attention for signs indicating a change in road surface.
When driving in unfamiliar areas, approach corners slowly, then accelerate once you know you can handle them. Roll onto the accelerator slowly as you accelerate out to avoid causing understeer inside the corner.
Add throttle gradually as you turn to maintain traction in the tires. Front wheel drive cars are more prone to understeer as your accelerate because you may get front wheel spin if you give it too much gas.
