What should you do if all four tires lose traction?

When all four tires lose traction, the most effective response is to gradually steer to regain control. This technique allows the driver to make smooth adjustments to the vehicle’s direction without making abrupt movements that could worsen the loss of traction.

Steering gradually helps to realign the vehicle's direction with the road surface, taking into account the underlying conditions (like wet, icy, or gravel surfaces) that caused the traction loss in the first place. This method helps in regaining grip and stabilizing the vehicle, preventing skidding or further loss of control.

The other options, such as using the brakes firmly, accelerating, or shifting to a lower gear, could contribute to a more dangerous situation. Abrupt braking can lead to locking the wheels and losing control; accelerating may cause further wheel spin; and shifting gears suddenly can disrupt the balance of the vehicle. Thus, gradually steering is the safest and most effective way to reestablish control when experiencing a complete loss of traction.