On bad roads, when I press the brakes even lightly my car tends to whip the back end around to the front. What could cau

If I was to guess I would say that the brakes are faulty on your front wheels. Cars have more braking power going to the front wheels for good reason and when the brakes on the rear are working more than your front brakes then the rear of the car will tend to want to whip around to the front on bad roads because your traction is not as good on a bad road. That is a dangerous problem, you need to get it fixed so your car is predictable under braking.

If it is a front wheel drive car having good tires on the front and shitty tires in the back is the most likely cause. Having said that, if your rear brakes are worn down too far or are out of adjustment then this could also be a cause. Lastly, you may just be too inexperienced in driving with poor road conditions. With years of experience driving many types of vehicles in all weather and road conditions it is my experience that when you hit ice the only thing you should do is steer because accelerating or braking causes your tires to break loose and start sliding. Your brake system is designed so that the majority of the stopping power is in the front end. So applying the brakes (even lightly) applies a greater force in the front. Remember to feather the brakes when you must use them in slippery roads conditions.

Maybe your brakes are bad, tires are bald, or you're driving too fast. Or all of the above.

I doubt a car will do a complete spin with a light tap of the brakes unless your going way too fast and have no rear brakes left and probably on wet pavement. I think you are driving too fast and then slamming on the brakes. This causes uneven brake wear and heats up front rotors. Have someone look at it and slow down before you kill someone going the other way or yourself.

have your brakes checked, sounds like the back brakes maybe toast