Driving in winter conditions is always challenging, especially when ice is present on the roads. While ice is often associated with snow, it doesn’t have to snow for this hazardous element to appear. Factors like cold nighttime temperatures, rain, or humidity in a chilly environment can lead to icy roads at any moment.

Knowing how to react in these situations is essential to avoid accidents and ensure a safe drive. Here, we explain how to handle your car when faced with ice and what measures you can take to minimize risks.

How to Drive on Icy Roads

  1. Avoid sudden accelerations
    On icy roads, tires need extra time to properly grip the surface. Sudden acceleration can cause the wheels to spin uncontrollably, leading to a loss of traction. The key is to accelerate gently and progressively to maintain good grip.
  2. Drive smoothly
    Reducing speed is crucial. Sudden movements with the steering wheel or abrupt accelerations can destabilize your vehicle. If you feel the rear of your car sliding, remain calm, take your foot off the accelerator, and let the tires naturally regain traction.
  3. Use brakes moderately
    Avoid hard braking, as it can cause the wheels to lose grip. Instead, apply brakes gradually or use engine braking to slow down smoothly.
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Tips to Reduce Risks When Driving on Ice

  1. Stick to the speed limit
    Driving below the speed limit is advisable, as higher speeds increase the risk of losing control.
  2. Maintain a safe distance
    On ice, your braking distance can triple. Keep enough space between your car and the one ahead to allow time to react to sudden stops or slides.
  3. Avoid driving at night
    Low visibility and colder temperatures at night increase the likelihood of encountering ice.
  4. Prepare for emergencies
    Always carry a fully charged mobile phone and charger. Even with precautions, having a way to call for help is essential in extreme situations.

Where Are You Most Likely to Find Ice?

El gel és especialment perillós perquè és difícil de detectar a simple vista. Aquestes són algunes de les zones amb més risc de trobar-ne:

  • Temperatures below 4 ºC: The risk of ice patches significantly increases when temperatures drop to this level.
  • Shaded or humid areas: Roads that don’t receive direct sunlight or have vegetation at the edges often encourage ice formation.
  • Tunnel entrances and exits: These areas frequently accumulate moisture, leading to icy patches.
  • Mountain roads and curves: Conditions can change rapidly, especially between sunny and shaded areas.

Boost Your Safety with Specialized Training

At Circuit Andorra, we help you prepare for driving in extreme conditions. We offer specialized courses in ice and snow driving, where you’ll learn to control vehicles such as BMW, Hyundai, Polaris 4×4, and rally cars.

Not only will you gain confidence behind the wheel, but you’ll also be ready to handle any unexpected situation with ease and safety.