Driving on Ice

You guys will have to forgive my simple questions, but I'm from the south and never go off road, so I didn't feel the need to spend the extra money for a 4x4. This is my first truck. I learned today that a rear wheel drive truck is horrible for driving on icy conditions. I barely got out of my subdivision this morning! Aside from adding several hundred pounds to the bed, what are some other techniques for driving on ice?

 

Ice is dangerous unless you have studded tires. 4x4 will help in conditions where you still have traction, but all four regular tires on ice, you're along for the ride.

 

Don't drive on ice...period. Unless you have studded tires.

Being from Atlanta, I wouldn't worry about it too much as it's so rare.

 

Just don't give the truck too much throttle.. once you have momentum and on the road or highway, and there is icey conditions, too much gas can cause the tires to spin and loose control. Just take it slow haha

 

Spin tires until ice melts.

 

Damn, imagine accidentally driving over someone's foot or some critter running across the street.

 

ok to the OP, I am glad that you posted your question. People have the false idea that a 4X4 helps when it comes to STOPPING on ice OR snow... it doesn't. I was down in Birmingham two years ago when that huge ice storm ripped through the southeast. I was the only guy who was able to drive through it while everyone else was off the road in the ditch. *if you know how to drive off road in the mud, then you dont have any idea how to drive on ice..

OK so here is what you need to know...
1. Go slow because stopping is the problem
2. 4WD will not stop you. If you are in icy conditions, downshift to a lower gear and let your transmission slow you down. Brakes will make it worse. So if you feel yourself sliding you lift off of the gas and dont touch the brake
3. You should be driving in a lower gear from the start if you know there is ice.
4. going down a hill with ice... first DONT. If you have to then do the following...
A. Keep your truck in the lowest gear (1)
B. Drive on the side of the road with your two right wheels on the grass. You will have grip there.
5. Shoveling snow into your bed only helps you to get moving but will not help you to stop.

 

When I moved to Atlanta 25 years ago, I didn't have to worry about snow and ice because it was so rare. With global warming, the winter season has changed dramatically. I bought a snow shovel last year!!! It came in handy yesterday because I had to shovel my driveway which has a steep slope.

 

Great response. Thanks.

 

Wow that's awesome. Emo, but awesome. lol

Well said. Ice on the road has no friends. No one wins with ice.

 

^^^This.

 

In the winter months it's truly all about traction. Your biggest improvement in traction is TIRES. The TYPE of tire and the specific rubber compound are critical. Bridgestone Blizzak tires for example are amazing in the winter (but terrible in summer).

Blizzaks on a hockey rink. Literally.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Rms9B45clg

That said, on sheer ice even the best snow tire can't prevent all issues. Speed is your next biggest determining factor. Slower is better. Torque is the next issue. Too fast/heavy acceleration will causes a spin and loss of traction. Sudden braking causes loss of traction. As mentioned above use your transmisison/engine to help you decelerate when possible. Avoid heavy brake pressure.

Time is your biggest ally. Give yourself lots of time/space to react to things.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-kZy5CoKc8