Driving on Ice
Ice is the hardest condition to drive on. Here's what actually helps.
Let's Be Real
No tire gives you full grip on ice. Not winter tires. Not studded tires. Nothing.
Ice has almost no friction. Even the best tires are just reducing how bad it is - they're not solving it.
The best thing you can do on ice is slow way down, leave tons of space, and avoid sudden moves.
Why All-Seasons Really Fail Here
Remember how all-seasons get hard below 45°F? On ice, it's usually below freezing.
At those temps, all-season rubber is basically plastic. It can't conform to the tiny bumps in the ice that would give you grip.
What Actually Helps
Nothing is magic on ice, but these improve your odds:
Made with soft compounds and special silica that stays flexible in extreme cold. They have lots of siping (tiny slits) that bite into ice. They help, but they're not magic.
Metal studs that dig into ice. These actually grip on pure ice, but they're loud on dry roads and illegal in some states. Colorado allows them Nov 1 - April 30.
For extreme conditions. They give real grip on ice but max speed is usually 30 mph. Required by law on I-70 sometimes.
Black Ice: The Sneaky One
Black ice is just regular ice, but it's so thin and clear that the road looks normal. You don't know it's there until you're sliding.
Common spots for black ice:
- •Bridges and overpasses (cold air hits from above AND below)
- •Shaded areas that don't get sun
- •Near water or where snow melted and refroze
- •Early morning when temps drop overnight
Pro tip: If the air temp is below 40°F and the road looks wet, be suspicious. That "wet" might be ice.
Quick Tips for Icy Roads
Ice Driving Safety in Colorado
Colorado's Front Range sees frequent ice conditions from October through April. Morning commutes often feature black ice on bridges and overpasses, while mountain roads can have persistent ice in shaded areas. Understanding ice driving and choosing the right tires can make the difference between a safe trip and a dangerous situation.
Winter Tires vs. All-Season on Ice
All-season tires are designed to work in temperatures above 45°F. Below that threshold, the rubber compound hardens and loses grip—exactly when you need it most. Winter tires use softer rubber compounds with silica that stay flexible in freezing temperatures. They also feature thousands of tiny slits called sipes that create biting edges to grip ice and snow. On ice, the difference is dramatic: winter tires can reduce stopping distances by 30-40% compared to all-seasons.
Studded Tires in Colorado
Colorado law permits studded tires from November 1 through April 30. Metal studs provide the best ice grip available—they literally dig into the ice surface. However, they're noisier on dry pavement and slightly reduce dry traction. For drivers who frequently encounter pure ice (mountain residents, early morning commuters over icy passes), studded tires are worth considering. Modern studless winter tires have closed the gap significantly and work well for most Colorado drivers.
Common Ice Locations in Denver Metro
- Highway overpasses: I-25 and I-70 overpasses freeze before surrounding roads because cold air circulates above and below.
- Bridge approaches: The transition from solid ground to bridge often has ice accumulation from drainage.
- Shaded areas: North-facing slopes and areas shaded by buildings stay frozen long after sunny spots thaw.
- Intersections: Vehicle exhaust melts snow that refreezes as ice, especially at traffic lights where cars idle.
Our Recommendation
For Denver metro drivers who occasionally venture into the mountains, a good set of studless winter tires (like Bridgestone Blizzak or Michelin X-Ice) provides excellent ice grip while remaining comfortable on dry pavement. For mountain residents or those with steep driveways, consider studded tires during the legal season. Our team at King's Custom Tires can assess your specific needs and recommend the best option. Visit us at 4101 Colorado Blvd or use our AI tire assistant for personalized recommendations.