When a car loses grip on an icy road, even a small steering or braking movement can change its direction quickly.

Staying calm and making smooth, controlled inputs can help the driver regain stability and reduce the chance of a larger loss of control.

<h3>Stay Calm and Ease Off</h3>

The first response to a skid should be to stay calm. Sudden reactions can make the situation worse, especially when the tires already have very little grip.

If the car begins to slide, ease off the accelerator instead of making a sudden lift or pressing the pedal harder. The goal is to reduce speed gradually while giving the tires a better chance to recover traction. Keep both hands on the steering wheel and look toward the direction where you want the car to travel.

Avoid sudden movements with the steering wheel, accelerator, or brake pedal. On ice, smooth inputs are much easier for the tires to handle.

<h3>Control the Steering</h3>

Steering is especially important when a car starts sliding. If the vehicle begins to drift toward one side, avoid quickly turning the wheel in the opposite direction. A large steering correction can cause the car to move too far once the tires regain grip.

Instead, make small and controlled steering adjustments. If the front of the car is not responding as expected, reduce speed and avoid adding more steering input. Once the tires regain traction, gently guide the vehicle back toward the desired path.

Drivers should also avoid looking directly at obstacles. Keeping attention on the open area they want to reach can make it easier to maintain a controlled steering response.

<h3>Use the Brakes Carefully</h3>

Braking on ice requires a different approach from braking on a dry road. The important point is not to avoid the brakes completely, but to avoid abrupt braking that can reduce stability.

If the vehicle is equipped with ABS, apply firm, steady pressure when stronger braking is necessary and allow the system to regulate the wheels. Do not repeatedly pump the brake pedal in a vehicle with ABS.

If ABS is not available, braking technique depends on the vehicle and road conditions. In general, gentle braking is preferable to suddenly locking the wheels. Leave plenty of space ahead so that emergency braking is less likely to be needed.

Most importantly, do not rely on braking alone to control speed. Reducing speed before reaching an icy section is much safer than trying to slow down after the tires have already lost grip.

<h3>Be Careful on Icy Slopes</h3>

Icy uphill and downhill sections deserve extra attention. A vehicle may struggle to maintain traction while climbing, while descending can make it difficult to control speed.

If an icy slope is clearly difficult to cross, consider stopping in a safe location and choosing another route when possible. Trying to force the vehicle up a slippery incline can lead to wheel spin or loss of forward movement.

Before driving through an area where ice is expected, check the road conditions and plan enough time for a slower journey. Keep a generous following distance because the vehicle ahead may also lose control.

<h3>Prepare the Tires</h3>

Tires play a major role in how a vehicle behaves on slippery roads. Check tire condition and pressure before driving, and make sure the tires are suitable for the expected conditions.

Where permitted and appropriate, traction devices such as tire chains can provide additional grip on icy or snow-covered roads. They must be installed correctly and used according to the vehicle and chain manufacturer's instructions.

However, no traction device can make an icy road behave like a dry one. Speed and driving technique still matter.

<h3>Final Thoughts</h3>

Driving on ice requires patience more than quick reactions. Reduce speed early, keep steering movements gentle, avoid abrupt braking or acceleration, and leave extra space around the vehicle.

If the car begins to slide, focus on restoring control rather than making a sudden correction. When conditions become too slippery, stopping safely or choosing another route may be the best decision. A cautious approach gives the tires more opportunity to maintain contact with the road and gives the driver more time to respond.

What To Do If Your Car Starts To Skid On Ice - How To Control The Slide

Video by Stan Cravens