What should you do when your vehicle's drive wheels start to spin while starting from a stop?

When your vehicle's drive wheels start to spin while starting from a stop, the appropriate response is to take your foot off the accelerator. This action reduces engine power to the wheels, which can help regain traction. Spinning wheels can lead to loss of control, and by decreasing the power to those wheels, you allow them to grip the surface better.

Taking your foot off the accelerator gives the tires a chance to regain their connection with the road, especially on slippery surfaces such as ice or mud. Maintaining or increasing acceleration during wheel spin can cause more spinning and further loss of control. While shifting to a lower gear may provide more traction in some cases, it may not be immediately effective if the spinning is severe. Applying brakes can also lead to further complications, as it may lock the wheels or exacerbate the situation. Thus, easing off the accelerator is the best first response to regain traction and control over the vehicle.