Tips for Dealing with Ice Challenges When Driving in Winter

Recent storms have brought plenty of snow and cold temperatures. When the snow stops falling, the struggles don’t stop because another culprit prepares its debut and its ice. Frozen roads, black ice, frozen car parts continue to be a problem throughout the freezing winter days. Finding ways to make winter driving easier is essential and could be lifesaving.

What is Black Ice, and Why is it a Winter Driving Challenge?

Black ice is a thin, almost transparent layer of ice that forms on pavement, blending in and looking black, virtually invisible. The threat is more visible when driving in the snow, allowing for preparedness. Encountering black ice can happen when least expected and knowing what to do is essential. Common areas where black ice tends to form are highways, particularly overpasses and bridges, shaded areas on the road, and most prevalent early mornings and in the evening. Training for black ice encounters can be lifesaving, but carrying along some tips for handling black ice can also help.

Winter Driving Challenges and Ice on Car Parts

Ice isn’t only a winter struggle when it comes to roads but can creep onto car parts, making for a challenging journey. Windshield wipers aren’t only important when driving in the rain, but during icy times as well that bring freezing windshields. Ice scrapers or chemical sprayers can help remove the ice if a windshield freezes overnight. Ice crystals start forming when a windshield freezes while driving, and if left untreated, they spread throughout the windshield, impairing visibility. The best course of action for a frozen windshield while driving is to pull over immediately and scrape off the ice. Bring some food and drinks to keep warm while pulled over. The defroster is there to prevent freezing; however, it may not be enough sometimes. Using windshield wiper fluid on a freezing windshield will help melt the ice and prevent further freezing for a period. A liquid made for cold weather can replace ordinary wiper fluid and help keep the windshield clear for more time. It can seem terrifying watching the ice crystals envelop a windshield and impair vision but knowing these tips can help ease tensions.