What action is recommended when you begin to lose control of a rear wheel?

When you begin to lose control of a rear wheel, the recommended action is to steer towards the skid. This technique, often referred to as "countersteering," allows the driver to regain control of the vehicle. When the rear of the vehicle starts to slide, turning the steering wheel in the direction you want to go helps align the front wheels with the direction of travel and can help stabilize the vehicle.

Understanding this action is crucial for maintaining control, especially in slick or slippery conditions where oversteering can lead to a loss of traction. By steering into the direction of the skid, you help the car straighten out and regain grip, which is essential for safely navigating through a potential loss of control.

Other options, such as changing lanes quickly or shifting into a lower gear, can exacerbate the situation by unsettling the vehicle's balance. Turning on hazard lights doesn't alter the vehicle's direction or help with regaining control. Therefore, steering towards the skid is the most effective and recommended response in this scenario.