Fishtailing

Fishtailing is a vehicle handling problem which occurs when the rear wheels lose traction, resulting in oversteer.

For example, a live beam axle suspension will have far less grip on a bumpy road than an independent rear suspension, due to its far greater unsprung weight[further explanation needed] and forces from one wheel being transmitted through the axle to the other wheel, leading to the tire being out of contact with the road surface more of the time.

[1] The side load will no longer be imposed against the front tires, and they will then roll freely to match the speed of the vehicle.

[clarification needed] Most modern rear-wheel-drive cars solve this problem by using a form of traction control, such as anti-lock brakes, which limits engine power when fishtailing occurs.

Similar behavior is evident during heavy braking in all types of road vehicles due to weight transfer to the front.