11/08/2026
BLACK ICE ON WINTER ROADS | โ๏ธ With bitterly cold weather, heavy rain and snow affecting parts of South Africa, winter road conditions are firmly back in the spotlight. And thereโs one hazard motorists may not see coming: black ice. Itโs more common in SA than you think, especially in inland and high-altitude regions.
Black ice isnโt black โ itโs actually a thin, clear layer of ice that forms on the surface of the road, making it look just like wet tarmac. You often donโt know itโs there until you lose control. It reduces tyre friction by up to 70%!
Because black ice is nearly invisible and ultra-smooth, it offers almost no traction. Your tyres can lose grip in an instant and even experienced drivers may struggle to correct a skid.
๐ช๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฑ๐ผ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฏ๐น๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ?
โข On bridges and overpasses (they freeze first)
โข In shaded or low-lying areas
โข On early morning or late evening drives
โข After light rain followed by a drop in temperature
โข Common trouble spots include the KZN Midlands, Eastern Cape highlands, and Free State farmlands โ especially on early winter mornings.
๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐น๐ผ๐ผ๐ธ ๐ผ๐๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ
โข The road looks wet, but thereโs no spray from tyres
โข Youโre in a high-altitude area or temp has dipped below 4ยฐC
โข Frost on your windscreen in the morning? It could be on the road too.
โข Tyres feel โlooseโ on an otherwise straight stretch
๐๐ผ๐ ๐๐ผ ๐ฑ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ฒ ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฏ๐น๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ธ ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฒ
โข Slow down. Donโt rush, even if the road looks clear.
โข Avoid sudden moves. Brake, steer, and accelerate gently.
โข Leave extra space. Braking takes longer.
โข Keep headlights on โ youโre more visible, and it may help spot slick patches.
โข Never use cruise control on icy roads.
๐ ๐๐ช๐ ๐๐ผ๐ฝ ๐๐ถ๐ฝ
Your tyres and brakes are your best protection against black ice. If your tyres are worn or under-inflated or your ABS or brake system hasnโt been checked recently, youโre more vulnerable. Safety doesnโt come from luck โ it comes from being ready. Even minor tyre or brake issues can have serious consequences when stopping distances double on ice. Weโre here to help: https://vist.ly/5ebit
A winter safety check at a MIWA-accredited workshop includes:
โข Tyre tread and pressure inspection
โข Brake pad, disc, and ABS system check
โข Battery and fluid checks
โข Light and wiper blade inspection
โข Helping you catch problems before they catch you.
๐ฌ Have you ever hit black ice before? What did you learn โ or wish youโd known?