What causes gap skids during a vehicle operation?

Gap skids, also known as transitional skids, occur when a driver releases the brakes and then reapplies them while the vehicle is still in a dynamic state, such as when approaching a corner or during a sudden change in speed. This action can cause the wheels to lose traction temporarily, leading to a skid. When the brakes are released, the vehicle can experience a shift in weight distribution and momentum, which may cause the wheels to lock up again when the brakes are reapplied abruptly.

In contrast, hard braking can lead to wheel lock-up and a skid, but it is not characterized specifically as a gap skid. Abrupt steering changes can also cause skidding by creating an imbalance that the tires cannot handle, particularly if the vehicle is traveling too fast for a turn or if road conditions are not optimal. Sudden acceleration can result in loss of traction, particularly in rear-wheel drive vehicles, but it does not fit the definition of a gap skid, which specifically involves the application and release of the brakes. Thus, releasing and reapplying the brakes is the condition that directly leads to gap skids during vehicle operation.