Yes, a car can drive on ice, but it is an advanced and potentially hazardous driving scenario that requires specific vehicle equipment and significant skill. Standard all-season tires offer minimal grip on ice, making controlled driving extremely difficult. The key to safe ice driving is using winter tires (often called snow tires), which are made from a softer rubber compound that stays pliable in freezing temperatures and features deep, biting edges called sipes to grip the ice surface.
Beyond tires, the most critical factor is your driving technique. You must execute all actions—accelerating, braking, and turning—slowly and smoothly. Sudden movements can easily break the limited traction available. Four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) helps a vehicle get moving on ice but provides no advantage when braking or turning; it only aids in acceleration.
For ultimate safety and control on consistently icy roads, tire chains or studded winter tires provide the highest level of traction. Studded tires have small metal protrusions that physically dig into the ice. The following table compares the traction performance of different tire types on icy surfaces, based on industry braking distance tests from 30 mph to 0.
| Tire Type | Key Feature | Relative Traction on Ice (vs. All-Season) | Best Use Case |
|---|
| All-Season Tires | Harder rubber compound | Baseline (Poor) | Dry/wet roads, light snow |
| All-Weather Tires | Milder siping, 3PMSF symbol | 10-15% Improvement | Climates with mixed winter conditions |
| Performance Winter | Sport-oriented siping | 20-25% Improvement | Cold, dry roads with occasional ice |
| Studless Winter Tire | Aggressive siping, soft rubber | 35-50% Improvement | Most common winter conditions |
| Studded Winter Tire | Metal studs for penetration | 60%+ Improvement | Severe, persistent ice |
The most dangerous ice is black ice, a thin, transparent coating that makes the road look merely wet. If you hit a patch, avoid slamming the brakes. Instead, take your foot off the accelerator, look and steer in the direction you want to go, and allow the vehicle to pass over it. Ultimately, the safest strategy is to avoid driving on ice altogether if possible. If you must drive, proper preparation and a cautious, patient approach are non-negotiable.
