After fairly mild weather over the festive period and into the new year, the UK is experiencing another cold snap this week. Conditions have been treacherous in some places, with snow, ice, hail and sleet.
All of those things are bad news if you need to go out in the car. Black ice is particularly dangerous, because - as its name suggests - it's practically impossible to know it's there.
But there is plenty drivers can do before setting out in wintry conditions like the ones we're seeing this week. Claims.co.uk has shared its top tips for driving during winter, including what you should do if you hit a patch of black ice.
While the advice should not be nothing new to motorists, it will hopefully prove as a helpful reminder, nonetheless. Drivers need to remember not to hit the brakes, as one of the team's pros explained.
The automotive expert said: "Black ice can be anxiety provoking; if you do hit black ice, avoid slamming on the brakes. Instead, lift your foot off the accelerator, steer straight over the ice, and always ensure your hands are entirely on the wheel."
The recommendation closely echoes advice shared by the RAC, which again reiterates you should avoid reaching for the breaks, reports the Mirror.
"If you hit a patch of black ice, don't panic. Keep the steering wheel straight and maintain your speed – don't hit the brakes. Use the gears to slow down if necessary, but avoid any sudden movements that could destabilise the car," according to the experts.
They added you should also keep your speed 'well down' and think about your gear selection.
The RAC explains: "A higher gear may be more appropriate to aid grip on packed ice. This helps manage engine power delivery, making it easier to find traction. If it's a manual, you might need to slip the clutch a little to prevent the car from stalling. Many automatics will let you select second gear at a standstill to pull away in."
