4 Road Hazards to Watch Out for This Winter

As we noted in one of our previous posts, hitting the open road during the winter can be hazardous. At RC Components, we want to make sure that you stay safe whenever you’re on your bike, so in today’s post, we’ll take a close look at four road hazards to watch out for as you ride this winter. When you’ve reached the end of today’s entry, be sure to visit our catalog to browse our unparalleled selection of custom motorcycle parts. Whether you’re looking for custom chrome motorcycle wheels or a new custom exhaust pipe, you’ll find everything you need to create the bike of your dreams in our catalog.

Black Ice

Black ice is a hazard for every driver, but it’s particularly concerning for motorcyclists. While black ice isn’t molecularly different from the ice you see hanging from garages and buildings during the winter, it differs significantly in appearance. Black ice blends in with the road, making it next to impossible to tell that you’re approaching a slick surface until it’s too late. The most common locations for black ice to form include the road surfaces under bridges and overpasses, shady areas, and places exposed to high-speed winds.

Salt 

While walking on salt often feels comparable to walking on gravel, the two are completely different when it comes to traction. De-icing salt can be just as slick as ice at high speeds, and it can also harm your bike’s internal components. One of the most popular de-icing agents, magnesium chloride, is known to corrode alloys and interfere with wiring systems, so avoid directly driving through deicing agents whenever possible. If you do happen to drive through some, then wash your bike thoroughly when you get home.

Cracks

The dry winter air often causes cracks to form in the road, and hitting a crack unexpectedly can easily cause you to lose control of your bike. Watch the road even more carefully in the winter, and be sure that you’re leaving plenty of room between you and any vehicles ahead of you to ensure that you can see any upcoming hazards. If the road is blanketed in snow, then proceed with a high degree of caution.

Other Drivers

While we don’t want to come across as negative, it’s an unfortunate fact that many drivers don’t practice safe driving during the winter. Many people move to snowy states without knowing how to drive properly in snowy conditions, while others believe that a four-wheel drive vehicle can handle nearly any road condition. As a motorcyclist, you’re already aware of how hazardous it can be to drive in heavy traffic, and you should use even more caution when you’re hitting the road in the winter with other drivers. Check your mirrors twice before switching lanes, and always make sure that you’re never riding in someone’s blind spot.

We hope that this post will help you stay safe as you hit the road this winter. Now that you’ve finished reading, head over to the RC Components website to browse our great selection of custom motorcycle parts. We’ve got custom chrome motorcycle wheels, custom exhaust pipes, and so much more!