Driving on Snow or Ice

Drive carefully when there is snow or ice between the tires and the road, creating less traction or grip.

Wet ice can occur at about 0°C (32°F) when freezing rain begins to fall, resulting in even less traction.

Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain until roads can be treated with salt or sand.

Drive with caution, whatever the condition. Accelerate gently so traction is not lost. Accelerating too quickly causes the wheels to spin and makes the surface under the tires slick, so there is even less traction.

Try not to break the fragile traction.

If you accelerate too fast, the drive wheels will spin and polish the surface under the tires even more.

The Antilock Brake System (ABS) improves vehicle stability during hard stops on slippery roads, but apply the brakes sooner than when on dry pavement.

Allow greater following distance on any slippery road and watch for slippery spots. Icy patches can occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded areas. The surface of a curve or an overpass can remain icy when the surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden steering maneuvers and braking while on ice.

Turn off cruise control on slippery surfaces.

    See also:

    2012 Buick LaCrosse Review
    When I first started reviewing cars five years ago, I can assure you, I never thought I would find myself eagerly waiting to get behind the wheel of a Buick. But that started to change when the r ...

    Reducing Speed While UsingCruise Control
    Press in the set button at the end of the lever until you reach the desired speed, then release it. Each time you do this, you will go about 1 mph (1.6 km/h) slower. ...

    Safety Belt Use During Pregnancy
    Safety belts work for everyone, including pregnant women. Like all occupants, they are more likely to be seriously injured if they do not wear safety belts. A pregnant woman should wear a ...