The risks associated with driving in the winter have changed. One of the riskiest activities you can engage in with a vehicle is driving on icy roads. Do you know if a car that is parked on ice can slide?
If the friction doesn’t keep it, the answer is yes. That said if it’s “parked, then frozen” it’s actually more likely to be slightly tighter to the road.
Continue reading to discover more tips on avoiding cars slipping on ice. Let’s start!
Can a Parked Car Sliding on Ice?
Yes, the car can generate powerful forces that can harm both the car and anything in its path if it slides in the wrong direction. If you’re not careful, anything from denting to bent metal can happen to a parked car that slides on ice, though broken glass is probably the most frequent type of damage. Avoid attempting to drive your car out of this situation by calling a tow truck instead.
What Causes a Parked Car Sliding on Ice?
If you reside in a colder climate, you are all too aware of how risky driving on ice can be. In fact, cars sliding on icy roads is not uncommon. Then why does a car slide on ice?
A car sliding on ice can be caused by a few different factors. The weight of a parked car may cause the ice to give way or cause the car to become stuck due to the ice. The car might have trouble staying put if the ice is wet. And finally, once the car starts moving, it may skid if there is snow on the ground.
![Can A Parked Car Sliding On Ice? How To Prevent?](https://www.automotivemastersinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/car-on-ice-2.jpg)
What to Do If a Parked Car Sliding on Ice?
No Brakes!
Your first reaction is to apply the brakes and come to a complete stop when you feel out of control. On the ice, however, there are different rules to follow. You’ll slide even further if you apply the brakes. The wheels must move freely in order to correct the slip.
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Contrary to popular belief, turning in the direction you’re coasting is what you should do in order to be helpful. What does it mean to turn to the right to straighten the car out? This is called “turning into the slide” and when your car starts to straighten, you can also straighten your wheels.
Depending on how much of a slip angle there is, the amount of steering needed to straighten the car will vary. To control how far you slide, try using a proper steering wheel. Slightly turn the wheel. When you correct your slip in one direction, the car will first go back in the opposite direction before settling. Be prepared for this rocking back and forth and be cautious in your response.
avoid oversteer
The car can be fully controlled if you oversteer. The violent, hard reaction of the wheels to spin is what causes oversteer. In oversteer, the rear of the car swings out of the corner as the rear wheels begin to slide ahead of the front wheels.
Keep Calm
What you’re doing right now — getting educated — is one of the best ways to maintain composure when your car is coasting on ice. Life can be saved by being prepared before a dire situation arises. Learn what it means to “go into a slide.” If you reside in an area where snowfall or snowstorms are common, park your car in a sizable parking lot and practice what to do if the car starts to slide. Again, maintaining composure is essential. Panic can make you oversteer, which could result in more serious slips, spins, or accidents.
Prevent Slippage by Reducing the Speed
Want to avoid major slippage issues? slow down! Be sure to slow down if the road is icy or snow-covered. On slick roads, drivers should reduce their speed by a third, and on snow-covered roads, they should cut their speed in half or more. To elaborate, if you are driving at 60 mph on dry roads, you should reduce your speed to 40 mph on wet roads, and to 40 mph on roads covered in snow. Icy, slippery roads necessitate slower speeds, and if you can’t drive safely, even a stop.
Ask for Automatic Checks
Making sure your car is weather-ready is another way to keep yourself and others safe during severe weather. Make sure your tires have sufficient tread to support driving by inspecting them. To make sure your brakes will work when you need them, check them.
![Can A Parked Car Sliding On Ice? How To Prevent?](https://www.automotivemastersinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/car-on-ice-3.jpg)
What Not to Do When a Parked Car Sliding on Ice?
Don’t slam on the brakes first of all. Your first reaction might be to do this because you want your car to stop, but it won’t work on icy roads. As you brake more forcefully, the likelihood that your slide will worsen rises. If you must brake, use the least amount of force possible.
It makes sense to turn your steering wheel. Never make a sudden turn while sliding; doing so will probably cause you to overcorrect and send your car spinning out of control. When you need to move deliberately and slowly, do so.
How to Prevent a Car from Sliding on Ice?
Accidents on slick roads can be avoided through prevention, which is crucial when it’s icy. Here are six simple steps you can take to avoid a car slide on ice:
1) Before your car, clear the way. This entails clearing the ground of all snow and ice as well as any barriers-creating objects. If necessary, clear away any significant chunks of snow or ice using a shovel or broom.
2) Make sure the air is inflated properly in your tires. It’s possible for your car to slide on the ice if your tires are underinflated because they generate too much friction.
3) When it’s icy out, go slowly and carefully. When turning or driving off the side of the road, be mindful of the traffic around you and exercise caution.
4) If your car does slide on the ice, remain composed and drive safely. Refrain from attempting to drive back onto the road; instead, wait for assistance or pull over into a secure area.
5) Maintain a full tank of gas in your vehicle. You must be able to quickly re-enter the road if you must stop due to icy conditions.
6) Don’t try to drive or push your car if you end up stranded on the ice. Call a friend to come to help you get home instead, or arrange for a tow truck.
Conclusion: Be Careful and Slow
As you can see, it is extremely risky to drive on icy roads. Making sure your vehicle is prepared for the difficult driving conditions that lie ahead is the best winter driving advice.
If you must travel, make sure to do it carefully and slowly.