How to Navigate Icy Slopes While Driving

Trying to make it up an icy slope while driving can be a tricky enterprise. Most people who live in areas where ice is common have seen cars struggle to the sides of hills or slide back down because they can't make it up. If you encounter an icy slope while driving, try some of the following tips.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Stay home if you can when the roads are ice covered and extremely slippery. At particular times, there may be hills that you will not be able to make it up for a while. If you can avoid driving on icy roads, do so to keep yourself safe, particularly if you are not used to driving on ice.

2. Get out of the grooves made by other cars. These spots can be even more slippery than other spots on the road. If you can find snow or areas with sand, you may be able to get better traction.

3. Try the sides of the road to see if you can find spots that are less slippery. You'll generally avoid the paths that other cars have taken and may find better traction. Since you don't want to spin out on the ice, heading for the sides can get you to the top.

4. Buy winter tires for your vehicles as opposed to all weather tires. Tires designed for winter driving will give you better traction. You can also consider getting tires that are slightly smaller than normal to give you more pressure per square inch. Chains can also be used in some circumstances to help you drive better on ice.

5. Accelerate at the bottom of the hill to give yourself extra momentum up the hill. If you begin to spin, release the pressure on the accelerator to help stop the spinning. Remember not to panic if you do begin to spin as it will just compound the problem.

6. Recognize that your car handles differently in snow and ice than it does on clear roads. You'll need to adjust your driving for this or you could put yourself into a very dangerous situation.