RE: Beep At 37º

[ToMoyer@xxxxxxx]

Just a very brief explanation of the warning gong at/or around 38-40
degrees.  It is true, in an air temperature of 32 degrees water freezes,
but the freezing process starts before 32 degrees.  When applied to road
surfaces, the road surface loses its heat as well and can be degrees colder
than the air temperature (and it also takes longer to warm up again), and
it is possible to have "black ice" on the road surface with an air
temperature of 38 degrees (the road surface temperature may be closer to 32
degrees or lower).  This "black ice" is a very thin layer of ice; moisture
that has been frozen on the road surface and is quite dangerous because it
can not be seen easily (the road surface generally looks dry) and when you
hit "black ice" it is very unexpected and easy to loose control of the
vehicle (especially in a turn and/or braking situation).  In some areas,
"black ice" can form on the roadway in early fall and late spring depending
on air temperature, roadway temperature and moisture.  The BMW temperature
warning gong is just that, it alerts the driver that the air temperature is
below 40 degrees and there is a possibility of "black ice" on the road
surface because the road surface temperature may be lower than 38 degrees.
So, when the temperature warning gong goes off and there is no snow or seen
ice or slush on the roadway, keep in mind that there could be "black ice"
on the road surface just waiting to catch you unexpecting and turn your
drive into a hair raising experience.  Hope this very brief explanation
explains this condition for those that are wondering.

Happy Holidays to all members and their families on the Digest.  Happy
Motoring,

tom
BMWCCA Member
'84 318i  recently totaled by an unlicensed driver
'85 318i
'91 318is
(looking for a nice 3 series or 5 series to replace totaled 318i)

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