How Does Tyre Skipping Affect My Car’s Performance?

Have you noticed a tyre skipping or juddering sensation when reversing or steering your car on full lock—especially on cold mornings? If so, your vehicle might be showing a common characteristic known as “crabbing”. In this article, we explain what crabbing is, why it happens, and how you can reduce it.

What is Crabbing?

Crabbing (also called tyre skipping) is a juddering or slipping feeling through the wheels when turning tightly at low speeds, such as when parking. It is most noticeable in cold temperatures, and more common in vehicles with sporty handling setups.

It occurs due to the way your vehicle’s suspension geometry, tyres, and steering systems interact. At full lock, if the tyres are stiff or lack flexibility, they can momentarily “skip” across the road surface instead of following the curve of your turn.

Why Does it Happen?

Crabbing is more often reported in performance or premium vehicles—including many used cars that are available to purchase with our Tangelo Plymouth and Tangelo Exeter teams. Especially those that are equipped with:

• Wide, low-profile tyres
• Firm suspension setups
• All-wheel or rear-wheel drive systems
• Harder rubber compounds, like summer tyres

It’s important to understand that crabbing is not a fault. It’s a known characteristic that comes from design choices intended to enhance grip and control at higher speeds.

Why It's Common in the South West

Drivers in Exeter, Plymouth, and across the South West UK often notice this sensation more during colder months—especially if their car is fitted with summer tyres. Below around 7°C, summer tyres stiffen up, exaggerating the crabbing effect during slow-speed manoeuvres. If you've bought a used car in the South West, especially one manufactured by a higher-performance brand, such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi or Porsche, you may experience this for the first time in winter, as you try and navigate the windy country roads.

Is Crabbing a Problem?

While the feeling may be unsettling, tyre skipping is not harmful and doesn’t damage your car or tyres. It doesn’t affect high-speed driving or safety. However, if it becomes a nuisance, there are steps you can take to reduce it.

How to Minimise Tyre Skipping

Here are some simple and effective ways to reduce crabbing in your vehicle:

• Switch to winter or all-season tyres during the colder months. These tyres have softer compounds and deeper tread patterns, staying more flexible in low temperatures.
• Avoid full-lock turns in freezing conditions. Use gentle, progressive steering when parking.
• Keep tyres correctly inflated and ensure they’re in good condition.
• Consider different tyre brands or sizes—some tread patterns perform better in cold weather or tight turns than others.

If you’re unsure which tyres are best for your vehicle, a local tyre specialist in Plymouth, Exeter, or the wider South West region can offer expert guidance.

Buying Used Car? Here's What to Know

If you're shopping for a used cars, especially in performance segments, it's worth checking what tyres the vehicle is fitted with—especially during winter. Ask whether the car comes with summer or all-season tyres, and factor in seasonal tyre changes for optimal comfort and performance.

Local dealers are often experienced with this issue and can advise on suitable tyre options for your area’s driving conditions. Whether you're navigating narrow city streets or heading out into the countryside, choosing the right tyres makes all the difference.

Final Thoughts

Crabbing is a harmless, though sometimes surprising, characteristic of many modern vehicles—especially those with sporty setups. For peace of mind, book a seasonal check-up with a local service centre. They’ll inspect your tyres, check your vehicle’s setup, and suggest practical solutions tailored to your location and driving style.

Are you browsing for your next used car and want advice on what to look out for? Our team is happy to assist.???? Call us today or visit your nearest Customer Hub in Exeter or Plymouth, to speak with our friendly staff.???? Prefer online? Send us a message or explore our current used car stock online anytime.