How to Drive Your Honda Civic or Accord Safely on Snow and Ice

Winter weather can bring some serious challenges, especially when you’re facing snow and black ice. If you’re a Honda Civic or Accord driver, you can still stay safe and feel confident behind the wheel—even when the roads get tricky. Brian shared some straightforward, practical advice in a recent video with Justin Thompson, and we’ve rounded up the essential tips for you below.

1. Understand Traction Control and Stability Assist

Your Honda Civic or Accord comes equipped with a stability assist system—commonly known as traction control. This feature keeps your car stable, especially at higher speeds, by preventing your wheels from spinning out of control. If you ever notice a button with a car icon, squiggly lines, and the word “OFF” (located on the left side of your dash), that’s your stability assist control.

Key takeaway: Always leave stability assist ON when you’re driving at regular speeds, especially on the highway.

2. When to Turn Off Traction Control

There are rare occasions where you actually want to disable traction control, according to Brian:

• If you’re stuck in snow or mud and your wheels just aren’t getting traction, turning off stability assist can help. With it off, your wheels are allowed to spin so you can try and “rock” yourself free.
• Before heading up a steep, snow-covered hill, temporarily disabling the system will stop the car from limiting your wheels’ power just when you need it most.

Important: Only disable stability assist at low speeds and remember—it will turn back ON once you restart the car.

3. Keep Up Your Momentum

When climbing a snowy or icy hill in your Civic or Accord, maintaining momentum is crucial. If you stop halfway up, chances are you’ll lose all traction and won’t be able to get going again.

Pro tip: As Brian points out, “Travel as slow as you can without losing traction.” This helps you stay in control while avoiding getting stuck.

4. When to Turn It Back On

Once you’re up to speed or on clear roads (like the highway), make sure to turn traction control back on. Stability assist is your best friend at higher speeds or in situations where sliding is possible.

5. If You Have Questions…

If you ever feel uncertain, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Justin Thompson reminded viewers they could comment with questions, stop by the dealership on Route 30 in Greensburg, or visit online at smailhonda.com.

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Stay safe out there, and remember: your Honda’s features are designed to help you handle winter’s worst—just take a few moments to know when and how to use them!