While you may be feeling panicked, you don’t need to downshift all at once. Let the car slow down naturally if you’re not in danger of hitting something. Most automatics have a second and first gear on the gear selector. If you have tap-to-shift, shift into manual “M” (generally to the right or left of “Drive” on console-shift vehicles or the bottom gear on column-shift vehicles) and press the minus button to shift down. Again, if you can’t go directly into the lowest range, try gradually shifting down.
If you can’t get off the freeway, use the shoulder.
Pump quickly to build up friction.
Pull the parking brake slowly, holding the release button as you do if your car has one. If you tug on it too quickly, you may cause your wheels to lock. If you have an electric parking brake, they may lock anyway. [5] X Research source It’s a good idea to try to slow the car before pulling the emergency brake. If your tires do lock, you can skid at high speeds. If you feel or hear your tires lock, release a small bit of pressure from the brake application and hold it there.
Roll all the windows down that you can.
However, don’t try to turn into an uphill driveway, as you may not stop before you hit buildings.
Do not turn your engine to “lock,” though, as that will also lock your wheel. You still need to be able to steer.
You can also try driving in a straight line across mud or gravel. If you turn, though, it can cause the car to flip.
