How To Drive On Ice: Safely Navigating Slick Roads

If you own a car, you have to know how to drive on ice. That’s true in every U.S. state because even the most southerly ones get surprise winter cold snaps these days. But it especially applies to mountainous states, like the ones that border Canada and Canada itself.

Every driver has a harrowing tale to tell about winter driving, and here’s one of mine: While approaching a curve on a two-lane highway, my car lost traction and slid into a snowbank on the opposite side of the road, narrowly missing an oncoming truck. I could have avoided this near catastrophe by slowing down as I approached the curve, but I was in a hurry. I ended up learning an important lesson by trial and error, and I was lucky to survive.

Many motorists learn how to drive on ice by trial and error, but they don’t have to. They can take advantage of the winter driving tips in this post, informed by Ana Zakharova of the online driver’s ed site Zutobi.com.

What Causes Icy Roads?

Cold weather. Melting snow. Freezing rain. If you answered any of these, you’re right. A combination of moisture and freezing temperatures causes icy roads.

Sometimes, roads can be icy even when you don’t expect them to be. Slippery conditions can exist in mild weather when dew or fog settles on the roadway in the cold of the early morning. Sometimes, you’ll find patches of ice on cold parts of the roadway on bridges and in shady mountain passes, even when the rest of the road appears dry.

How To Prepare Your Car for Icy Conditions

If you’re headed out for a drive on a winter day, make sure your car is ready. “Bald or worn tires reduce traction and are especially dangerous in icy or snowy conditions,” says Zakharova. “Check tire tread depth and consider winter tires for optimal safety.”

Besides slick roads, you may encounter visibility problems due to fog or falling snow, so you need a clean windshield. “Fully remove snow and ice from your vehicle, including all windows, mirrors, and lights, to ensure clear visibility for you and others on the road,” says Zakharova. She also recommends packing an emergency kit that includes blankets, a small shovel, tire chains, snacks, and a flashlight in case you get stuck.

How To Brake On Ice

Braking is one of the key skills to develop when you’re learning how to drive on ice. “Gently pump your brakes to prevent skidding, particularly on slick surfaces,” says Zakharova. Resist the temptation to slam on the brakes because that will lock your wheels and could send you sliding off the road or into the car in front of you.

If your car has anti-lock (ABS) brakes, they will automatically compensate when you slam on them. If the ABS warning light illuminates to indicate that they aren’t working, have them fixed before you head out into wintry weather.

What To Do When Your Car Starts Sliding

Don’t try to straighten out the car by steering in the opposite direction of the skid. That will make things worse. In fact, you should do the opposite: Take your foot off the accelerator, steer into the direction of the skid and gently pump the brakes to slow down the car. Straighten out the car when the tires regain traction.

What To Do If Your Car Gets Stuck

That depends on how badly you’re stuck. In some situations, you may need to call for roadside assistance, but you may be able to get your car unstuck by yourself or with one or two helpers.

When you drive over mud or into a snowbank, and the wheels spin, you can often regain traction by rocking the car back and forth: Drive forward slowly as far as you can, then put the gear in reverse, back up, then repeat. If you’re lucky, the car will eventually develop enough momentum to get back on solid ground, especially if you have helpers who can push while you do this.

You can also use the shovel in your emergency kit to clear snow away from the tires to improve your chances of getting free.

Other Tips To Drive On Ice Safely

Here are some more tips for how to drive on ice from Zakharova:

• Reduce your speed.
• Slow down for curves and shaded areas.
• Leave more space between your car and the one in front of you.
• Carry a bag of sand to provide extra traction when you get stuck.

FAQ

Should you use 4-wheel drive on ice?

Four-wheel drive engages all four wheels with the engine and provides better traction overall. If your car is equipped with four-wheel drive, you should definitely use it on icy roads.

How do I get more traction on ice?

“Good tires are your first defense against losing traction,” explains Jacqueline, a driving instructor at Zuboti. Snow tires are best, but a good set of all-weather tires with deep treads can also prevent slipping. Some other ways to improve traction are to put heavy weights in the trunk, spread sand or salt on the roadway when you’re stuck, and install chains in extreme conditions.

How can you tell when the road gets icy?

When snow falls on the roadway and doesn’t melt, that’s a good indication that road is icy. You should also watch for icy roads when snow or sleet is falling, the air is foggy, the temperature is below freezing, or you see frost in your windshield or other parts of your vehicle.

What’s the difference between black ice and other kinds?

Black ice is so-named because it’s invisible, and that makes it more dangerous. You may encounter it on bridges and in shady areas when the rest of the roadway is clear. Watch for warning signs on sections of the road susceptible to it.

About the Expert

• Ana Zakharova is the PR and Communications Director for Zutobi, an online driver’s education resource.

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