The term black ice refers to a frozen layer of transparent ice that occasionally forms over roads during winters. Due to its transparency and the lack of air bubbles, black ice can be extremely difficult to spot. This allows the ice to easily get camouflaged with the rest of the road, often appearing to the driver as just another wet spot. This is also the reason why its called "black" ice simply because it tends to look a lot like the rest of the pavement on the road.
Black ice can form under several circumstances and its not just snow that can result in the formation of black ice on roads:
- It can form when the temperature of the road/surface becomes extremely low such that even rain or sleet freezes when it comes in contact (common in sub-zero temperatures).
- It can also be formed when warmer temperatures during dusk melt the snow into liquid which then freezes into ice later on in the night due to lower temperatures.
- It can also form simply due to surface run-off freezing on the road when the road temperature is below freezing (common in sub-zero temperatures).
- Problem areas are around curves, at the bases of inclines, and anywhere else water collects on a roadway. Most of the time, you don't know you're driving on black ice until it's too late.
7 Hacks To Spot Black Ice
Spotting black is easier said than done. There are times when it can be almost impossible to differentiate between a wet spot and black ice. Don't worry though, there are a few things that you can do to help you come out on top in this guessing game.
Where to expect
- We advise you to simply consider every wet spot you come across as black ice when the temperatures are below freezing. If you do notice such spots coming up, slow down to 10-20 km/h as you approach the area. Going very slow will prevent your car from spinning into disaster in case it does turn out to be black ice.
- Black ice is more likely to form in shaded places where the sun can't reach to melt the ice. Some common places include tree-lined routes and tunnels.
- It is also frequently found on isolated roads that witness very little movement. Water remains undisturbed and freezes owing to very little traffic.
- Black ice also forms easily on raised roads like bridges or overpasses as the cold air is able to cool the surface from both the top and the bottom leading to a faster freezing time.
Using Light to your advantage
- While black ice is transparent, there are a few hacks that can help you spot it. The right lighting conditions. for example, will make ice look glossy which is a convenient giveaway if you're paying enough attention.
- Another way to leverage the glossy appearance of black ice is to compare the suspicious patch to the rest of the road. If it appears relatively glossier and shinier, it is probably going to be black ice.
- This technique for detecting black ice won't work at night, but dawn, daylight and dusk all offer enough light for the trick to work.
Also Read: Conquer Snowy Terrains: 9 Hacks To Drive On Snow Like A Pro
Precautions You Can Take To Avoid It
Here are a few tricks that can help you avoid black ice :
=> Drive Slow : Driving slowly will give you enough time to see the road ahead and identify any dangerous patches of black ice.
=> Don't tailgate vehicles in front of you. It won't give you a clear view of the road and neither will it give you enough time to react. You and the car ahead of you will both start sliding and crash into each other the moment you fall victim to black ice.
=> Have a clean windshield and keep your headlights on even during the day. The glossy and reflective nature of black ice will become apparent due to your headlights. Also, before embarking on your journey, make sure that your is windshield squeaky clean by using an ice scraper to scrape off any ice and finishing off with the wipers and the washer fluid.
=> If you ever suspect that an upcoming spot could have black ice, stop and assess your options. You can either drive around it if you find a safe path or you can stop, turn around and look for another way to your destination. It's also a good idea to know the places in your town or city that are particularly prone to black ice and avoid them whenever you have to drive in the winters.
=> Keep an eye out for skid marks, stranded motorists or vehicles going at extremely slow speeds. These are important indications that a patch of black ice might be ahead of you.
=> Perform regular checks of your tyres and tyre tread. Keep your tyre pressure lesser than usual to increase traction and replace your tyres if your tread is worn out. Having adequate tread depth is extremely important if you want to survive an encounter with black ice.
=> Purchase a pair of snow tyres to help you get better all-round traction in the winters.
=> Always have your CRUISE CONTROL OFF whenever you're driving in icy conditions.
=> If possible, practice driving on ice in a safe surrounding. Find a nice, large, empty parking lot with ice on it. Drive on ice. Practice braking on ice. Understand how your car feels and handles on ice. You can also reach out to seasoned winter drivers and ask them to help you hone your ice driving skills.
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