What should you do if your drive wheels start to spin when starting from a stop?

When your drive wheels begin to spin while starting from a stop, the best course of action is to take your foot off the accelerator. This approach allows the wheels to regain traction without excessive spinning, which can lead to loss of control or further slipping.

By removing your foot from the accelerator, you prevent power from being sent to the wheels, allowing them to slow down and regain grip on the road surface. This is especially important in slippery conditions, such as on ice or wet roads, where maintaining traction is critical for safe driving.

While trying a lower gear might seem like a viable option, it can sometimes exacerbate wheel spin if not done appropriately, particularly if the conditions are not ideal. Similarly, applying both the brake and accelerator simultaneously can lead to further wheel spin, as the power intended to move the vehicle forward may conflict with the braking force, creating a less stable situation. Turning the steering wheel sharply does not address the foundational issue of the spinning wheels and can result in a loss of control, potentially leading to a skid.

Thus, the best practice when faced with spinning wheels is simply to refrain from acceleration until traction is regained by lifting your foot off the accelerator.