The prime times for the development of this ice are around dawn and in the late evening, when temperatures are typically the lowest.
A car thermometer, like any digital thermometer, tries to find the air’s ambient temperature. So, if a vehicle’s thermometer is close to freezing, the car driver should be cautious on the roads.
Avoid shady areas where ice may not have yet thawed. Roads running under overpasses and bridges are also susceptible to black-ice formation, since the sun can’t evaporate water as efficiently.
What should you do when you hit black ice?
First step is to stay calm. Don’t oversteer or brake hard. Pump brakes and use small corrections to keep from losing control. Avoid using cruise control when conditions may be icy, since cruise control can actually accelerate your car when the tires lose traction. Drive smoothly and slowly when the weather is bad, and if ice is particularly prevalent, skip going out altogether and stay home.
