Amateur casual driver in need of tips.

[fungist]

Hello and sorry for showing up from nowhere with this post, but i have to ask the right guys a few questions.

Im no sports driver or anything, just casual driver.

Im using a car for a few weeks thats not mine, because mine is broken.
Its very snowy over here and im used to FWD cars.
The car im using now is a pickup truck AWD diesel AUT (eu car).
Since my question would apply to any AWD car its not necessary to mention which car exactly.

Its not my car, so the worst possible situation would be to end in a accident with it.

It snaps very easily on the rear and im scared when i drive it, i was going out from a intersection today
(taking left direction) when the rear of my car loses traction immediately and oversteer.
Im having a maybe 30 degree rotation at around 20mph, it freaks me out, i just released throttle and started steering to correct.

Now it went well, but i have no idea what to do. if it was my own car it wouldnt matter, but its not mine and its a 3liter one with around 180hp.

Could i please have any tips on how to correct and handle AWD (aut) cars on snowy roads?

EDIT: also mention that the tires and brakes of the car are in good condition.

 

[Ramon]

What's up, good to see you show some interest in our sport physics of traction

I'd say try it out on an open parking lot.. Sliding a car is like riding a bike. Once you got the know how you will expect when it will slide, and can easily prevent it, or start it on purpose . It's good that you show a little interest because this will make you a way better (or rather more aware) casual driver.

After trying every possible situation u'll notice it's not that scary at low speeds. AWD trucks don't even get close to what a RWD car would do in such situations. On the snow you should always be careful and not go into a corner at 20mph. You especially want to avoid accelerating mid corner, like u would on a dry road. Knowing how your car reacts to counter-steering is key to keep it from sliding. Rally car drivers do this all the time.

I can show you a video, obviously this is not what u want.. but it shows a very good angle of correcting over-steer by counter-steering.
I could keep going, but by trying it yourself you will gain the experience you are looking for.
Welcome to the forums, and I hope this helped