Driving on icy roadways is often the cause of weather-related accidents. Because air warms more quickly than pavement, ice doesn’t necessarily melt as soon as temperatures rise. However, many motorists don’t realize this and fail to take precautions on warm winter days. To help your tires keep their grip on icy roads, consider the three driving tips below. 

3 Tips to Maintain Vehicle Handling on Icy Roads

1. Install Winter Tires

Even in mild climates, installing winter tires prevents motorists from skidding on ice. That’s because the rubber of all-season and summer tires gets hard and brittle in cold temperatures, affecting how tread connects with the road. The slits that run horizontally in the tread pattern of winter tires are designed to help rubber grip the ice instead of sliding over it. When ice melts, tread grooves repel water to prevent hydroplaning.

2. Watch Your Speed

As traction is reduced, you’ll need more time and distance to roll to a complete stop on ice. To make up for traction limitations and avoid spin-outs, drive slower and increase following distance to five or six seconds. When stopping, gently apply pressure to the brake pedal. This will prevent your brakes from locking and experiencing traction loss. 

3. Don’t Stomp on the Brakes

If your tires begin to skid, slamming on the brakes is a natural response. This will only increase the intensity of the skid, which is why you should gently lift your feet off the accelerator and keep a grip on the steering wheel to recover from a front-end spin-out. If you lose control of the back end, turn the steering wheel in the direction the car is skidding to regain control.

To ensure top tire performance during the winter, contact Brothers Tire Sales. Based in Kannapolis, NC, and serving motorists throughout Cabarrus and Rowan counties for over five decades, the technicians can outfit your ride with tires by top brands, such as BFGoodrich® and Michelin®. They also provide brake service, oil changes, and additional auto maintenance services to prevent seasonal accidents. View their inventory online or call (704) 933-­2203 for an installation appointment.