How To

How to Drive in Icy Conditions

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By eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating:

(36 Ratings)

The key to driving in icy conditions is to move slowly and brake gently.

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Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Window Cleaner
Wiperblades
Window Cleaner
Tire Chains

Step 1

Make sure all passengers are wearing seat belts.
Step 2

Use the defroster and windshield wipers for better visibility.
Step 3

Brake, change speeds and turn slowly.
Step 4

Give sufficient warning time to other drivers when turning, stopping or changing lanes.
Step 5

Keep plenty of distance between cars. You never know when you will hit an icy spot.
Step 6

Pump the brakes slowly and gently if your car doesn't have antilock brakes. Constant pressure can cause them to lock and skid.
Step 7

If you do skid, turn the wheels into the direction of the skid.
Step 8

Keep in mind that melting ice is still slippery. Drive slowly so that your tires can push water through their grooves for better traction.

Tips & Warnings

Four-wheel-drive cars maneuver better on ice, but that doesn't mean they can stop quickly. Leave plenty of distance between you and other cars. If you pass the same landmark as the car in front of you within 3 seconds, you are following too closely.
Put chains on your tires if they are required or recommended by local highway officials.
Avoid cruise control when driving on ice.

Comments

soggdogg said

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on 2/16/2009 Good call out on "Avoid cruise control"... also avoid using in the rain!!!

on 2/8/2009 Minnesota winters can be very unpredictable to say the least. I was born and raised here and we have a saying that goes, only in MN can you have your bathing suit on in the morning and snowsuits on my dinner time. Trust me there is truth to that statement! Which brings me to share my advice about driving on icy roads.
I am literally talking totally covered roads with ice like a skating rink. Some of you will know exactly the time I am talking about. It was about 2 winters ago right before Christmas and I had just dropped my son off at work. It was about 6:30am and the roads were in great winter driving condition. I was on my way back home when it started to sleet. Within minutes the entire road was covered with a layer of ice. It came down so thick and fast it was unbelievable. I couldn't even keep my windows clear.
It was the scariest drive of my life. I had about 10 miles to