Black ice while driving: What ADAC experts recommend for freezing rain

Created: 12/19/2022, 12:00 p.m

By: Sebastian Oppenheimer

So-called black ice is even more dangerous for motorists than snow and slush.

According to the ADAC experts, only one thing is actually recommended in freezing rain.

Only a few drivers are really “winter fans” – problems can arise in icy temperatures, especially with older vehicles.

The classic is the weak battery, which makes jump starting necessary - but the handbrake can also freeze up.

And if you don't have a garage or a parking heater, you often struggle with frozen windows.

But it can also be dangerous in terms of road conditions - the so-called black ice is particularly treacherous.

Black ice while driving: what experts advise when it rains

Snow-covered roads increase the risk of slipping - but with good winter tires (for which the experts recommend slightly higher air pressure), you are usually relatively safe on the road.

However, as soon as the snow cover thickens, it becomes smoother and the risk of slipping increases.

When the snow finally melts and freezes again, black ice forms, which is extremely dangerous for drivers.

Even more treacherous is what is known as black ice: Because it not only occurs quite suddenly, as the name suggests, but often also over a large area.

Another problem: you can often hardly see it.

Blitzeis comes as a surprise - and is often very difficult to recognize.

(Iconic image) © Jens Büttner/dpa

Freezing rain: Black ice can also form at temperatures above zero degrees.

Flash ice (also often referred to as freezing rain) occurs when fresh precipitation freezes as soon as it hits the ground.

The fatal thing is that black ice can also form at temperatures above zero degrees.

The reason for this are so-called supercooled raindrops, which form in higher air layers at sub-zero temperatures.

Particular caution is therefore always required on days with fluctuating temperatures.

Control lamps and warning lights in the car: what they mean

View photo gallery

You can find even more exciting car topics in the free newsletter from our partner 24auto.de.

Black ice while driving: ADAC recommends taking a break

The problem: According to the ADAC, neither winter tires nor electronic systems such as ABS or ESP help with real black ice.

The automobile club therefore generally recommends driving with foresight and caution on ice and snow: you should keep a greater distance to the vehicle in front, brake gently and steer sensitively.

If a real sleet sets in, you shouldn't even set off if possible.

If, on the other hand, you are already on the road, the experts recommend taking a break to be on the safe side and, if in doubt, waiting for the gritting service.

Because despite good equipment and careful driving, accidents can often not be avoided in the right black ice.