Tips for Braking on Slick, Wintery Roads
Many things make the list of unexpected road hazards during winter. And slick roads are at the top of that list! Whether it's black ice, packed snow, or just wet pavement, braking on slick road surfaces can be scary!
When roads are icy or covered in snow, driving more slowly and with a bit of extra caution can make a huge difference in helping you maintain control of your vehicle. Next time the weather outside is frightful, try these tips for how to brake the right way on slick roads to help you stay prepared and in control.
What's An Ideal Braking Distance?
When braking on ice, stopping distance becomes one of the most important changes to consider. In icy and snowy driving conditions, it may be necessary to multiply your vehicle's braking distance up to ten times what it would be on clear roads.
While wet roadways usually only require twice the braking distance, ice and snow can cause a much more significant decrease in traction while braking. On icy roads, appropriate braking distances can be up to ten times greater than the distances required for good braking on summer roads.* For instance, if an acceptable braking distance for 20 MPH driving is 40 feet, it increases to 400 feet when braking on ice. Likewise, if an adequate braking distance for 40 MPH is 118 feet, it becomes 1180 feet.
Do You Have Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)?
An anti-lock braking system (ABS) helps prevent your car's four wheels from locking up when you suddenly hit the brakes during an emergency situation. When your vehicle detects skidding, your ABS brakes use a system of sensors and pumps to help your vehicle brake.
The sensors attached to each wheel tell your car when the wheels are about to lock up, and the system then pumps the brakes for you, helping you maintain control of your vehicle in slick conditions. When your ABS detects skidding, it'll automatically pulsate the brake pressure.
If your vehicle is not equipped with ABS, you'll need to pump the brakes manually when sliding on ice. To keep your wheels from locking, pulsate the brake pressure by intermittently pumping your brake pedal. Avoid pushing the brake pedal down too hard. Instead, apply gentle pressure at frequent intervals until your car has stopped.
How to Stop Your Car From Sliding On Ice
To help avoid sliding on ice, drive slowly. Slowing down on icy roads can make all the difference in maintaining control in slick conditions. If your INFINITI does hit an icy patch, you may experience skidding or fishtailing.
If you're skidding on ice:
Take your foot off the accelerator so your vehicle can slow down naturally — also known as engine braking. If you haven't regained control of your INFINITI after a few seconds, gently apply the brakes until your vehicle slows enough for you to regain control.
Steer into the skid to help your tires regain traction, allowing the vehicle to correct itself. Steering away from the skid could cause your vehicle to lose control or even fishtail. Straighten the steering wheel once you've gained control of your vehicle.
If you're fishtailing on ice:
Fishtailing occurs when the rear wheels have lost traction and are sliding, which can cause the vehicle to spin out of control. If your vehicle is fishtailing due to an icy patch, take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction of the spin while gently braking. Once you've regained control of the vehicle, accelerate gently to ensure your tires maintain traction.
Get Your Brakes Winter-Ready with INFINITI Parts
Braking on slick roads is challenging enough. But things can get much worse if your brake system isn't in tip-top shape. Get your INFINITI's brakes ready for the winter by shopping brake parts from INFINITI Parts. Order genuine parts made to fit your model and year to help make sure your INFINITI is better prepared for the slick, wintery roads ahead.