What is the term used to describe loss of rear wheel traction?

The term that describes the loss of rear wheel traction is "oversteer." This occurs when the rear wheels of the vehicle lose grip before the front wheels during a turn, causing the rear of the car to swing outward. As a result, the driver may find it challenging to maintain control of the vehicle, leading to a potential spin or instability in steering.

Understanding oversteer is crucial for safe driving, especially in conditions that could lead to slippery roads or sharp corners. It highlights the importance of maintaining steady pressure on the accelerator and steering gently during maneuvering to prevent this loss of traction.

While terms like sway, understeer, and drift refer to different driving dynamics, they do not accurately describe the situation of losing rear wheel traction as specifically as oversteer does. Sway typically refers to lateral movement of the vehicle, understeer is when the front wheels lose traction, and drift usually implies a controlled slide rather than a loss of control.