What happens during a power slide?

In a power slide, the driver intentionally causes the rear wheels of the vehicle to lose traction while accelerating. This technique is often used in motorsports or during evasive maneuvers, where the driver needs to maintain control of the vehicle despite the loss of grip. During a power slide, the driver usually turns the steering wheel to help initiate the slide, providing an opportunity to steer the car in the desired direction while the rear wheels are skidding.

This loss of traction is what differentiates a power slide from other vehicle maneuvers, such as a braking skid where the wheels lock up and the vehicle slides uncontrollably. In a power slide, even though the rear wheels may be spinning or sliding, the driver can often maintain a degree of control, allowing for quicker cornering and sharper turns without coming to a complete stop or losing full control over the vehicle.