- Anti-lock brakes – this mechanism will cause the brakes to “pump” repeatedly when the brake pedal is depressed steadily. On icy roads, getting the ABS system to pump about once per second is ideal for optimum braking.
- All-wheel drive – as the name implies, power is directed to all four wheels of a vehicle instead of just two; so if the front wheels lose some traction, the rear wheels can compensate (and vice-versa). However, AWD does nothing to improve braking or cornering in ice or snow.
- Electronic stability control – all vehicles from model year 2012 and on are required by law to be equipped with ESC. This comprehensive system automatically senses when the steering wheel and the vehicle’s direction are out of alignment, and applies more braking to one or two wheels and/or reduces engine power accordingly.
- Reduce your speed significantly.
- Do not oversteer if you feel your vehicle start to lose traction.
- Turn into a skid in order to correct your vehicle’s direction.
- Make sure your tires have at least 3/16 of an inch of tread before driving in snowpack.
- Make sure your rear tires are not underinflated.
- Maximize your visibility by running window defrosters and windshield wipers.
- Be sure your lights are clear of snow or ice so that other drivers can see you more clearly.
- Be aware of “black ice” in addition to the ice that is visible.
- If you don’t have to drive, stay home.