Finally, the temperatures have begun to drop! Cooler weather is upon us, the holidays are soon to roll around, and the conditions in which you’ll be driving in will soon change too – in the colder months, black ice can be a real problem in the Carolinas.

Mint Hill winters generally have days that are above the freezing point and nights that are below it. Due to that, we tend to get rain instead of snow during the colder months, but whatever water is left on the ground after the storm stops turns into ice that night. You’ve probably noticed it too – your yard may look like it has a white beard the day after a December rainstorm because the wet grass froze overnight.

This overnight freezing can happen on roads too, but there is one big difference – most of the time, you can’t see it.

According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) black ice forms when water on a road freezes over, but no air freezes inside the ice. No air bubbles make the ice hard or impossible to see. It usually forms in shady areas, bridges, and anywhere water can easily puddle.

Most tips and tricks mentioned here today come from the USDA and Pekin Insurance – big thanks to them for this great info!

Staying Safe:

Do not slam on the brakes!

Even with modern anti-lock brakes (ABS) braking on ice is an easy way to lock up the wheels. If you need to slow down, do so before you hit the ice patch – and if you must brake while on the ice, pumping the brakes is your best option, even if your vehicle has an ABS system.

As always if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call Ken Manchester at 704-545-4597 or stop by Manchester Auto and Tire of Mint Hill.