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How-to guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
How to Drive on Black Ice: Spot It, Slow Down, Stay in Control
Black ice is hard to see, and a road that looks dry or just wet can be slick. This guide covers where black ice tends to form, how to drive and brake on it, what to do in a skid, and how to get your car ready, using the Indiana Department of Transportation's (INDOT) winter driving tips and National Weather Service guidance, plus what our Michigan City service team checks.
5,000+people killed each year, on average, in weather-related vehicle crashes (NWS)
418,000+people injured each year, on average (NWS)
4black ice hot spots INDOT names: intersections, off-ramps, bridges, shady areas
0times to pump ABS brakes: use steady pressure (NWS)
The short answer
Slow down well below the posted limit on snow or ice, and when it is near freezing, drive like you are on ice. Leave extra room, and take it slow at intersections, off-ramps, bridges and shady areas. Brake early and gently, avoid cruise control and sudden steering, and if you skid, ease off the gas and steer where you want the front of the car to go. With ABS, hold steady pressure on the brake; never pump it.
What black ice is and where it forms
Black ice can be difficult to see. The National Weather Service puts it simply: if the temperature is near freezing, drive like you are on ice, because you may be. Even if the roads just look wet, they could still be slick.
INDOT warns that roads that seem dry may actually be slippery and dangerous. Freezing rain, which the NWS describes as rain that freezes when it hits the ground, coats roads with ice, and sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.
- Intersections
- Off-ramps
- Bridges
- Shady areas
INDOT names these as hot spots for black ice. Take it slow when you approach them.
From INDOT, "Winter Driving Safety Tips," and the National Weather Service, "Prepare! Don't Let a Winter Storm Take You by Surprise," "What To Do If You're Caught in a Winter Storm" and "Winter Weather Warnings, Watches and Advisories," read October 27, 2026.
How to drive on black ice
These tips come from INDOT's general winter driving guidance. See your owner's manual for your vehicle's systems.
| Tip | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Slow down | On the first snow or ice, drive well below the posted speed limit. | The faster you are going, the longer it takes to stop. |
| Leave room | Leave extra space between you and the vehicle ahead. | It takes extra time and distance to stop on slick roads. |
| Brake gently | Brake early, brake slowly, and never slam on the brakes. | It takes extra time and distance to stop on slick roads. |
| Skip cruise control | Avoid cruise control and abrupt steering; merge slowly. | Sudden movements can cause your vehicle to slide. |
| Accelerate slowly | Take it slow when accelerating on snow or ice. | This helps you avoid slipping or sliding. |
| Do not count on 4WD | Drive just as carefully in an SUV with four-wheel drive. | Four-wheel drive may get you going faster, but it will not help you stop sooner. |
| Look ahead | Watch what is happening ahead of you. | Other drivers' actions alert you to problems sooner and give you time to react. |
From INDOT, "Winter Driving Safety Tips," read October 27, 2026.
If you start to skid
The National Weather Service says to remain calm, ease your foot off the gas and turn your wheels in the direction you want the front of the car to go. If your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump the brakes on an ABS-equipped vehicle.
If you are having trouble seeing, pull over to the side of the road and stop until visibility improves. The NWS adds: turn off your lights and set the parking brake when stopped, so another car does not follow your taillights and hit you.
From the National Weather Service, "What To Do If You're Caught in a Winter Storm," read October 27, 2026.
Before you go
Check conditions before you leave and give yourself plenty of time, INDOT advises. Clear all snow and ice from the windows, lights, brake lights and signals so you can see and be seen; the NWS notes that flying snow from cars causes accidents.
Before a longer winter trip, the National Weather Service recommends making sure all fluid levels are full and that the lights, heater and windshield wipers are in proper condition. Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines, and let someone know your route and timetable.
- Inspect: tires, wiper blades, fluids, lights, belts and hoses (INDOT).
- Tire pressure: Michigan City Ford's maintenance guide says to check all tires, including the spare, at least once a month when cold (not driven for at least three hours), using the placard typically on the driver's side doorjamb.
- Kit: INDOT suggests winter travel gear, tire chains, an ice scraper and snowbrush, jumper cables and road flares. The NWS list adds blankets, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, high-calorie non-perishable food, a shovel, a tow rope, and a sack of sand or cat litter for traction.
From INDOT, "Winter Driving Safety Tips"; the National Weather Service, "Prepare! Don't Let a Winter Storm Take You by Surprise" and "What To Do If You're Caught in a Winter Storm"; and Michigan City Ford's general maintenance advice page; all read October 27, 2026.
If you get stuck
The National Weather Service's advice if your car gets stuck during a storm:
Stay in the vehicle
If you leave it, you will become disoriented quickly in wind-driven snow and cold.
Run the motor for heat
Run it about 10 minutes each hour, open a window a little for fresh air, and clear snow from the exhaust pipe to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Be visible
Turn on the dome light at night when the engine is running, tie a bright cloth (preferably red) to the antenna or door, and raise the hood after the snow stops falling.
From the National Weather Service, "What To Do If You're Caught in a Winter Storm," read October 27, 2026.
Winter checks at Michigan City Ford
Traction and stopping start with tires and brakes. The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. Our brake inspection includes checking for even wear and measuring pad and shoe thickness, checking rotors, calipers and anti-lock brake sensors, and checking brake fluid condition and levels.
Our brake page says to have your brakes inspected immediately if you hear a continuous grinding or squeal, or feel vibration or shudder in the steering wheel while braking. Schedule service online and check our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, October 27, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Black ice FAQ
What is black ice?
Black ice is ice on the road that can be difficult to see. INDOT warns that roads that seem dry may actually be slippery, and the National Weather Service says that if the temperature is near freezing, you should drive like you are on ice, because you may be.
Where does black ice usually form?
INDOT lists intersections, off-ramps, bridges and shady areas as hot spots for black ice. Take it slow when you approach them.
How do you brake on black ice?
Brake early and brake slowly, and never slam on the brakes, INDOT says. If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS), the National Weather Service says to apply steady pressure to the pedal and never pump the brakes.
What should I do if my car starts to slide?
Remain calm, ease your foot off the gas and turn your wheels in the direction you want the front of the car to go, according to the National Weather Service.
Does four-wheel drive help on ice?
It helps you get going, not stop. INDOT says that even with four-wheel drive you may not be able to stop any faster or keep control any better once you lose traction.
Should I use cruise control on icy roads?
No. INDOT says to avoid cruise control and abrupt steering maneuvers on snow and ice, because sudden movements can cause your vehicle to slide.
Can Michigan City Ford check my car before winter?
Yes. The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Get your tires and brakes winter-ready
Book The Works, a tire check or a brake inspection at our Michigan City service center.
Sources
Driving and safety guidance is from the Indiana Department of Transportation and the National Weather Service, read October 27, 2026. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Your owner's manual is the final word for your vehicle. Photo is illustrative.
- Winter Driving Safety Tips (black ice, speed, braking, four-wheel drive, kit), Indiana Department of Transportation, read October 27, 2026
- Prepare! Don't Let a Winter Storm Take You by Surprise (in vehicles, survival kit), National Weather Service, read October 27, 2026
- What To Do If You're Caught in a Winter Storm (driving, skids, ABS, stuck vehicles), National Weather Service, read October 27, 2026
- Winter Weather Warnings, Watches and Advisories (freezing rain, sleet), National Weather Service, read October 27, 2026
- General service: The Works, tire pressure, Michigan City Ford, October 27, 2026
- Brake service: warning signs and inspection, Michigan City Ford, October 27, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, October 27, 2026