How to Drive on Black Ice If You Can’t Avoid It

Black ice is an unavoidable danger for many drivers across the country. Unless you live in the pan handle, chances are you encounter this threat just about every winter. While it’s best to try to avoid it altogether, sometimes this just isn’t possible. We’ve got some tips on how to spot black ice and how to drive through it as safely as possible.

What is Black Ice?

Black ice is not really black. Rather, it’s so transparent that you can see the asphalt underneath it, hence the name “black ice.” This makes the ice hard to detect, which is why it’s so dangerous. You’re often already driving on black ice before you realize it.

How Does Black Ice Form?

Black ice forms just like normal ice when rainwater, melted snow, or other wet run-off becomes cold enough to freeze. It tends to form most often when the air temperature is below 32 degrees Fahrenheit and it’s raining. It’s most often found in the morning or evening hours when the sun hasn’t hit the roads yet.

How to Drive on Black Ice

First of all, you should never drive on black ice if you can help it. Even if you are a skilled winter driver with brand new snow tires, you should never underestimate the dangers of a slippery road. 

According to the USDA, an easy way to prepare yourself for driving on black ice is to practice. This is especially important for new drivers. Find a safe, empty parking lot to get familiar with the ice and your vehicle’s response to it.

The number one rule to successfully driving through black ice is to do as little as possible. This might sound counterintuitive, but fighting the ice could mean skidding or spinning off the road or into another vehicle.

Take your foot completely off the gas to reduce the speed of the car. If possible, shift your car into a lower gear. This will give you a bit more control over the vehicle.  

If at all possible, do not brake or turn your steering wheel at all. If you feel your car begin to fishtail in one direction or the other, turn your steering wheel very gently in that same direction.

How to Stop on Black Ice

If you absolutely cannot avoid black ice and find yourself skidding on it, there are ways to slow down or stop your vehicle.

While it’s not advisable to turn the steering wheel in any dramatic way while encountering black ice, you can gently steer the car in the direction desired.  The USDA suggests very carefully steering the car in the direction of high traction areas, such as into gravel, dirt or dry road, in order to slow down the vehicle.

If your car has an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), you can push down on the brake firmly and the system will pump the brakes for you, preventing skidding. If not, you can manually pump the brakes by firmly and quickly applying and releasing pressure from the brake pedal.

How to Spot Black Ice on The Road

The USDA advises drivers to keep an eye out for especially shiny patches on the road or cars swerving or appearing to lose control in front of you. These are some of the only ways to visually detect the danger.

Drivers should also be extra cautious when driving on shady roads, as places where the sun isn’t hitting the pavement are commonly the first to form this dangerous sheet. Bridges are also a black ice magnet due to the fact that cold air is also flowing under the roadway, allowing it to freeze more quickly.

Black Ice and Your Vehicle

To prepare your vehicle for a black ice encounter, you should make sure you have supplies to aid you in the event of a wreck. This includes things like road flares, a flashlight, blankets and emergency rations such as water and granola bars.

If you live in an area where black ice is a common occurrence, it might be worth investing in a vehicle suited for harsher conditions, like a truck, SUV or a car with 4-wheel drive.

Do Snow Chains Work on Black Ice?

While snow chains can help your vehicle slow down a tiny bit faster, ultimately these are meant for traction in snow. They don’t make a big difference in the face of slippery ice.

Do Winter Tires Help on Black Ice?

Snow tires do have an advantage on black ice. Many of them use a special rubber compound and specific tread patterns meant to grip the ice more effectively than regular tires. 

Check out our handy guide on Winter Tires to learn more about how they work and when you should think about purchasing them (the answer is soon!).

If you’re thinking about upgrading to winter tires, we’ve got you covered. Check out our Winter Tire Collection here or stop by our shop to see what we have to offer!