What is differential braking?

Differential braking refers to the situation where one wheel of a vehicle spins while the others maintain traction. This can occur when there is a difference in grip on the road surface between the wheels—commonly seen in conditions like icy or wet surfaces, where one side of the vehicle may lose traction while the other side does not.

In this context, understanding differential braking is crucial for maintaining vehicle control. When one wheel spins without appropriate braking force, it can lead to loss of steering control and compromise the stability of the vehicle. For instance, during a turn or an evasive maneuver, if one wheel spins, the vehicle could veer off course, making the ability to manage that spin critically important for safety.

While other options refer to aspects of vehicle control, they do not accurately capture the essence of differential braking, which is specifically about uneven wheel traction and the dynamics it creates.