How Can You Avoid Wheelspin When You’re Driving on an Icy Road?

Winter is coming, and again the UK will be covered with snow. It is really challenging for drivers to drive a car on icy roads. It’s not easy for drivers to grip tyres on icy surfaces, which results in wheelspin as you accelerate. This then results in losing control of the car. With the right approach and techniques, you can easily avoid wheelspin and move off smoothly without stressing your tyres or drivetrain. 

In this guide, we will explain in detail why wheelspin happens and how to avoid it.

Why Wheelspin Happens on Ice?

Wheelspin occurs when the friction between tyres and ice is extremely low and wheels spin without any movement. There are several causes of wheelspin on icy surfaces.

• Low surface friction: Ice is smooth and slippery, which provides minimal grip between ice and tyre compared to dry surfaces.
• Excessive power: Accelerating a car aggressively transmits more torque to the wheels, and they spin with high speed instantly, which makes it impossible for the tyres to grip.
• Worn and wrong tyres: Low tyre tread depth or unsuitable rubber make slipping much more likely.
• Poor driving technique: Sudden acceleration and braking limit the grip between the tyre and the surface.
• Tyre pressure: Low tyre pressure reduces the contact patch on the road.   

Step-by-Step Guide to Avoid Wheelspin

To avoid wheelspin, the simple rule is to apply the power as gently as possible. It gives a better chance to find traction between tyres and an icy surface. Here is a step-by-step guide for both manual and automatic transmission vehicles.

Step-by-step for a manual transmission:

1. Select a higher gear: Instead of first gear, start the car in second or even third gear. This will reduce the amount of torque sent to the wheels and make it easier to get moving without spinning.
2. Ease off the clutch: Here, your experience is needed. You need to slowly and gently lift your foot off the clutch pedal until you feel the “biting point” where the engine starts to engage. Avoid letting the clutch bite suddenly.
3. Apply gentle throttle: Add just a small amount of throttle to get the car moving. The goal is to get the tyres to turn slowly and smoothly, not to rev the engine.
4. Use momentum: Build up speed slowly and maintain momentum. Avoid having to stop on a hill if you can, as starting from a standstill on a slope is more likely to cause wheelspin. 

Step-by-step for an automatic transmission:

1. Enable the winter mode: If your car has it, the car will automatically start in a higher gear, likely second.
2. Use the manual shift option: If your car has a manual shift option, select it and move the gear selector to “2” or “L” to force a higher gear start.
3. Gentle acceleration: Tap the accelerator very lightly, almost like you have an egg under your foot. The car will respond more slowly than usual, but this gives your tyres time to grip the ice without spinning.

However, if your car’s wheels start to spin, lift off the accelerator to stop the wheelspin. Then gently apply the accelerator and follow the steps as mentioned earlier. Also, shift between forward and reverse directions to help the car rock itself out of a deep rut. 

Common Mistakes That Cause Wheelspin

Even an experienced driver couldn’t stop a car from wheelspin. It happens, and all you need to be aware of are these common mistakes that cause wheelspin.

• Accelerating the car too much, where the rapid spinning couldn’t make traction between the tyres and the surface.
• Starting the car in first gear multiplies torque, which is too much for an icy surface.
• lifting the clutch too quickly, which causes the driven wheels to become overloaded and spin.
• Abruptly turning the steering wheel increases the risk of slippage and decreases tyre grip.
• Using summer tyres in winter.
• Ignoring vehicle weight distribution.

Vehicle Features That Help Prevent Wheelspin

Nowadays, cars come with advanced features, which are designed to reduce wheelspin and help you stay in control on ice.

1. Traction Control System (TCS): It is a system designed to prevent the driven wheel from spinning when accelerating. The system monitors wheel speed and reduces engine power. 
2. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): While ABS is mainly for braking, it prevents wheel lock-up, helping you maintain steering control on icy roads.
3. Electronic Sustainability Control (ESC/ESP): This system uses sensors to monitor steering angle, vehicle rotation (yaw rate), and wheel speed. ESC detects when the car is losing traction and applies brakes to individual wheels to correct skids.
4. All Wheel Drive (AWD) or Four Wheel Drive (FWD): AWD powers all wheels, which significantly reduces the chance of wheelspin. 
5. Limited Slip Differential (LSD): It is a mechanical or electronic component that manages how engine torque is sent to the driven wheels. It is found in some performance and 4×4 vehicles. LSD sends torque to the wheel with the most grip, reducing spin when one wheel slips.

Frequently Asked Questions

What would suggest you’re driving on an icy road?

There are several signs that can alert you that you are driving on an icy road. You will notice a decrease in tyre noise, a change in resistance from your steering wheel and unexpected skids or slips. As you feel these signs, slow the speed of your vehicle.

What will help you to move off on a snowy surface?

To move off from a snowy surface, you require a presence of mind. First, you need to shift the gear to second, then gently release the clutch, and lastly, keep the wheels aligned until you gain grip. Additionally, you can also use traction aids under the wheels, like sand, grit and mats

Are winter tyres really necessary?

Yes, winter tyres offer a significant safety advantage because it has soft rubber, which remains flexible in low temperatures and improves grip. They also possess a specialised tread pattern that bites into snow and ice for better grip. However, it is not mandatory in the UK but highly recommended. 

What if my car doesn’t have traction control?

You don’t need to be worried because all you need to rely on is your driving skills. You should master gentle inputs, like how gently you can accelerate and leave the clutch. Also, you should know how and when to move your steering wheel without losing control. It is all a matter of practice and experience.

How do I know if wheelspin damaged my tyres or drivetrain?

There are different signs of damage, including uneven or rapid wear of the tyre. Persistent spinning can also cause flat spots, which you may notice as vibrations, especially at higher speeds. And signs of drivetrain damage can appear when the tyre suddenly regains traction. Sudden jerks or jolts can strain components like the driveshaft or clutch. Strange noises, such as clunking, squeaking, or scraping. 

Final Thoughts: How Can You Avoid Wheelspin?

Driving on icy roads can be challenging, but understanding the basics of why wheelspin happens and how to prevent it can make your journey safer. You can avoid wheelspin by using gentle acceleration and the right gear and careful clutch control. However, modern cars come with advanced technology like TCS, ABS and ESP, which help in easily controlling the car when the wheels spin.

For more car-related expert advice, visit our blog section.

Stay Safe This Winter

Older tyres, poor grip, and constant winter worries can make driving stressful. Find out what your car is worth and consider upgrading to a model built for UK winters.

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