"How to Handle Ice on the Road"
Contribuited by Pohanka Automotive Group of Salisbury

As we go to press, the recent ice age seems to be receding. How did you manage with all the ice on the roads? Even careful drivers can have serious problems on ice, especially the infamous “black ice.”

Four wheel drives may be great in snow, mud, and slush, but it is often ineffective on ice. The key to safe driving on ice is to know your vehicle. Not all cars respond the same to icy, slippery roads. Practice slow-speed maneuvers on an empty snow or ice covered parking lot.

The most important thing to remember is that on slick roads you must travel, steer and brake more slowly than usual. The distance needed to stop on ice is at least twice as long as you need under normal driving circumstances. So keep at least three car lengths from the vehicle in front of you.

Black ice is ice that remains on roadways that are not subjected to direct sunlight. It commonly forms in tunnels, on overpasses and in highly shaded, rural areas. Black ice is almost invisible to the naked eye, so be especially cautious in shaded areas and slow down as you approach.

Read your owner’s manual to learn about your braking system; not all braking systems are the same. Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) have significant advantages on slick roads, if used correctly. To operate ABS effectively, apply steady pressure to the brake pedal during the entire stop. This can be a real challenge to remember for those of us who were taught to pump the brakes to avoid lock up. ABS will automatically pump the brakes, if necessary, to keep the wheels from locking. Never manually pump ABS brakes yourself. Apply only steady pressure continuously until you come to a complete stop.

If you don’t have ABS, gently apply pumping pressure to your brakes during slippery conditions. Do not apply steady pressure to your brakes. Standing on your brakes will only cause wheel lock, and may result in your car spinning out of control.

Now for real news - it is possible to steer out of a skid! If you have front wheel drive, when you feel your car begin to skid, slowly remove your foot from the accelerator until you feel your wheels regain traction control. (Do not attempt to brake!) As your vehicle’s tires grab the road, slowly turn the steering wheel in the direction you want your front wheels to go. For rear wheel drive vehicles, when you begin to spin, remove your foot from the gas pedal. Slowly steer in the direction you want the car to go. If you are still skidding out of control, counter-steer until your vehicle is pointing in the right direction. Never apply steady pressure to the brakes.

The most important advice? Keep your cool, SLOW DOWN, and watch out for the other guy!

We were amazed and seriously impressed with the performance of our Toyota Prius on the bad roads last month. The battery for the electric motor added just enough weight distribution to the rear to give this feisty little car a real grip on the road. It handled like it was born at the North Pole. And we’re still getting that fabulous gas mileage!

MAGGIE.S MEMO:
POHANKA AUTOMOTIVE GROUP OF SALISBURY is known for outstanding, hassle-free service. POHANKA is very female-friendly and frequently offers maintenance courses and other special events designed especially for women. Visit their new showroom on N. Salisbury Blvd. or call 1-877-4-POHANKA
(1-877-476-4265).

MAGGIE SAYS:
Our experience with POHANKA has been 100% positive. From showroom to service department, we have experienced courtesy, efficiency, and pleasant people. Stop by POHJANKA today!