How to drive with ice

Driving is an activity that always requires maximum concentration and caution to achieve safe driving and avoid accidents . However, sometimes this activity is even more complicated, as it is the case of certain seasons of the year and, in particular, what it refers to in winter . And it is that the different weather conditions can hinder driving and increase the risk of traffic problems, so in this article we explain in detail how to drive on ice.

Steps to follow:

one

In the first place, it is very important that you take into account the general recommendations for driving in winter, since during this time of the year it is necessary to exercise extreme caution in the face of possible inclement weather such as ice, snow. Therefore, it will be essential to know how to prepare the car for winter, where it is included checking the status and operation of various aspects such as:

  • Antifreeze liquid
  • Drums
  • Tires
  • Lights
  • Have chains

If you do not feel qualified to review it yourself, it is most appropriate that you go to your trustworthy mechanical workshop so that they can make the tuning of your vehicle. In the same way, it will also be interesting to take some measures when the winter arrives, such as keeping the car in a garage or under cover to prevent frost from freezing the windscreens and moons; therefore we also recommend our article about how to take care of the car in winter.

two

The information before going out to the road will be another of the most important factors that you must take into account, that is, consult the weather report to be up to date of possible storms or other adversities related to the weather. This fact takes special importance before long trips to know if any road or mountain pass is cut or driving requires extreme caution. In the same way, driving at night or in the early morning increases the risk of finding ice and snow on the road, since during the central hours of the day it is possible that the sun's rays reduce the possibility of freezing the roads.

3

It is essential that you know that, in most cases, the ice sheets are not visible and we do not realize that the road is frozen until we reach that point on the road. However, it should be noted that it is the dark and humid areas that are most likely to be affected by frost, as well as when the temperatures are below 4ºC. Currently, most vehicles have an indicator when the temperature drops below this value that may serve as a warning to keep the alert to the maximum.

4

Therefore, when driving with ice we must respect some basic rules:

  • reduce speed
  • increase the safety distance
  • drive with long gears
  • avoid braking and accelerating abruptly
  • do not get too close to the inside of the curves

5

In the same way, in case the curve of the rear of the car gets out of control, it will be important to turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction to straighten the vehicle; if it is the front part that does not adhere to the firm as it should, we must lift our foot off the accelerator and never stop suddenly. Therefore, it will be important to react quickly but keeping calm. If you are forced to brake, you should always do it smoothly to prevent the wheels from skidding or skidding.

6

In the event that instead of ice we find snow on the road, the considerations will be different and, above all, the use of chains will be very important. That is why we recommend you consult our section on engine to find the best advice.