// blog # Build a Black Ice Detection System with AutoPi & Sensors Detect road ice in real time using temperature sensors and AutoPi. Wiring, logic and alert setup to warn drivers and log events. Updated 14 Aug, 2025 [← All posts](https://www.autopi.io/blog/) Black ice is a critical hazard that affects road safety during the winter season. It forms as a nearly invisible layer of ice on the pavement when temperatures drop below freezing, especially overnight or in shaded areas. Drivers may not notice black ice until it is too late, which can lead to unexpected skidding, loss of control, and serious accidents. Understanding how to detect black ice before it becomes a threat is an essential part of modern vehicle safety. Traditional air temperature sensors are often inaccurate due to engine heat or wind exposure. What matters most in avoiding black ice is the actual surface temperature of the road, which can be quite different from the air temperature. Fortunately, advances in automotive IoT and sensing technology make it possible to measure road surface temperature accurately in real time. With tools like the AutoPi CAN-FD Pro and an infrared temperature sensor, drivers can receive alerts when the road surface approaches freezing conditions. These alerts allow time to reduce speed or reroute before encountering hazardous conditions. This guide will show how to build a complete black ice detection system using AutoPi and a Phidgets infrared sensor. The system includes real-time monitoring, data logging, in-vehicle alerts, and integration with fleet platforms. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast, a developer, or a fleet manager, this solution provides a practical and scalable way to improve safety during cold weather. ## What is a Black Ice Detector? A black ice detector is useful because it assists drivers in detecting and avoiding harmful black ice on the road, thereby increasing road safety and lowering the risk of accidents and injuries. The technology employed in black ice detectors can detect black ice reliably and send real-time notifications to drivers, allowing them to slow down or modify their direction to avoid hazardous road conditions. Furthermore, black ice detectors are particularly beneficial in cold areas where black ice is more widespread, as well as at night, when it might be difficult to notice black ice on the road. ## Black Ice Detection Using AutoPi CAN-FD Pro Device Some car models have outside temperature sensors built in. These temperature sensors are meant to measure the outside air temperature but often do not give a precise reading of the air temperature because of engine heating. And when dealing with “black ice” it is more precise to know the surface temperature. [ Learn More ](https://www.autopi.io/hardware/autopi-canfd-pro/) The [AutoPi CAN-FD Pro device](https://www.autopi.io/hardware/autopi-canfd-pro/) has a lot of extension possibilities through one of its ports, which makes it possible to build and extend different things. E.g., an infrared temperature sensor from [Phidgets Inc](https://www.phidgets.com/?tier=3&catid=14&pcid=12&prodid=1041): This specific sensor can be connected directly to one of the USB ports of an [AutoPi device](https://www.autopi.io/hardware/compare/). An infrared thermometer measures the infrared energy from an object and uses this to determine the temperature of the object (or surface). The infrared temperature sensor is mounted on the vehicle (a specific casing can be acquired for the Phidgets sensor) and set to point towards the road surface at a forward-pointing angle. When the sensor has been installed in the vehicle, it is simply connected to the device's USB port. The [AutoPi IoT platform](https://www.autopi.io/software-platform/cloud-management/) contains a lot of possibilities to extend the temperature input from the Phidget sensor. Because all of the input and outputs in the device can be combined in a rule-based system (also known as an if-this-then-that system). Using this it is possible to build an in-car warning system using the built-in speaker in the AutoPi CAN-FD Pro device. ## How the Infrared System Works The infrared temperature sensor detects emitted thermal radiation from the road surface. It calculates the temperature based on infrared energy intensity. If the reading falls below 0°C, the AutoPi triggers a rule in the cloud dashboard to alert the driver using the built-in speaker or connected system. ## Installation Guide Mount the sensor in a forward-facing position at a 30–45° angle. Avoid wheel spray zones. Use weather shielding or casing to protect the lens and secure the USB cable inside the vehicle safely to the AutoPi unit. It’s recommended to run the sensor in a test mode first and validate sensor placement against known road conditions and temperature benchmarks. ## Comparison with Other Technologies | System | Advantages | Disadvantages | | --- | --- | --- | | AutoPi + IR Sensor | Portable, low-cost, customizable rules | Limited to local surface reading | | Road-Embedded Sensors | Fixed accuracy, central monitoring | Infrastructure cost and no vehicle-side alerts | | Vision-Based Detection | Passive, no sensor needed | False positives in low-contrast conditions | ## Logging & Data Export Each temperature reading is logged with a timestamp and GPS position. You can view data on the AutoPi dashboard, analyze trends over time, or export to CSV or third-party software for reporting and fleet planning. Exported data can also be combined with weather APIs or road condition databases to provide predictive insights into black ice hotspots or risk zones. ## Additional Considerations Regular calibration of the infrared sensor ensures accurate surface readings across varying road materials. Emissivity settings must be fine-tuned for asphalt (typically 0.95) versus concrete or painted surfaces. In colder regions, pairing the system with a vehicle battery monitor or GPS geofencing logic can help restrict alerts to high-risk timeframes and routes. Lastly, integrating the system with external platforms via AutoPi's REST API allows fleet-wide condition alerts, scheduled check-ins, or even automated emergency notification workflows. The AutoPi CAN-FD Pro device will record the temperature measured by the infrared temperature sensor, and based on the rules defined in the [AutoPi cloud dashboard](https://www.autopi.io/software-platform/cloud-management/) it can react to these measurements. E.g., to warn the driver by using the speaker in the CAN-FD Pro device. This can be accomplished using a cloud-based service, like Google Assistant. [ ](https://www.autopi.io/hardware/autopi-canfd-pro/) [ Discover Now! ](https://www.autopi.io/hardware/autopi-canfd-pro/) [ ← Back to all posts ](https://www.autopi.io/blog/) // hardware ## Choose hardware for your integration Compare Mini, CAN-FD Pro and TMU CM4 by vehicle data access, interfaces and custom software needs. [Compare devices →](https://www.autopi.io/hardware/compare/) ###### Hardware ## Choose your evaluation device Start with the hardware your project needs. Software and connectivity terms differ by device and purchase option. Prices below exclude VAT, duties, shipping and optional accessories. CAN-FD Pro In stock · ships tomorrow ### Dual CAN-FD data logger High-throughput raw frame capture on two independent CAN-FD channels. On-device DBC decoding, ASAM MDF4 output, J1939 native support and hardware-encrypted data signing - all on a Raspberry Pi CM4. → 2× CAN-FD · >3,000 fps/channel · 5 Mbps → 4 GB LPDDR4 · 32 GB eMMC + USB expansion → NXP SE051 · Tailscale SSH · Docker · S3 sync → 12–35 V DC · J1939 · OBD-II · 4G/LTE + GPS From EUR 599. AutoPi software included without a subscription. Cellular SIM and data purchased separately. [Order CAN-FD Pro](https://shop.autopi.io/products/autopi-can-fd-pro) [Learn more](https://www.autopi.io/hardware/autopi-canfd-pro/) Mini In stock · ships tomorrow ### Fleet telematics & OBD-II OBD-II and supported EV telemetry with GPS and built-in 4G/LTE. Check your exact vehicle, required signals and regional variant; installation and configuration needs vary. → OBD-II / K-Line · EV parameters · GPS tracking → 4G/LTE Cat 1 · BLE · internal antennas → −40°C to +85°C · CE/UKCA/E-Mark/RoHS → 10–30 V DC · compact · fleet-ready out of box EUR 129 + EUR 6/month for SIM and Cloud, with a 12-month minimum. First-year minimum: EUR 201. Includes 100 MB/month. [Order Mini](https://shop.autopi.io/products/autopi-mini) [Learn more](https://www.autopi.io/hardware/autopi-mini/) TMU CM4 In stock · ships tomorrow ### Edge compute platform Raspberry Pi CM4-based telematics unit for custom software stacks. Run Docker containers, Python services and CAN-FD logging on the same device - managed remotely via AutoPi Cloud. → BCM2711 CM4 · 1 GB LPDDR4 · 8 GB eMMC → 2x CAN or CAN-FD variant · Docker · Python · SocketCAN → NXP SE051 · Tailscale · WiFi · BT 5.0 · GPS → 12–35 V DC · 4G/LTE Cat 4 · IP67 option From EUR 235 with the SIM and Cloud subscription option: EUR 6/month, 12-month minimum. Also available without a subscription; select your interface and payment option in the shop for the price. [Order TMU CM4](https://shop.autopi.io/products/autopi-telematics-unit-cm4-4g-lte-edition) [Learn more](https://www.autopi.io/hardware/autopi-tmu-cm4/) [Compare all devices →](https://www.autopi.io/hardware/compare/) // related ## More posts you'll like [ View all → ](https://www.autopi.io/blog/) Raspberry Pi DIY #### Build a Raspberry Pi Touchscreen Car Computer (Step-by-Step) Assemble a Pi-based carputer with touchscreen, power, mounting and software setup. Parts list, wiring tips and configuration for a reliable in-car sys ... [ Learn More → ](https://www.autopi.io/blog/build-a-raspberry-pi-touch-screen-car-computer/) Guides #### J1939 Explained (2025): PGNs, SPNs & Heavy-Duty Diagnostics Learn J1939 basics‚ PGNs, SPNs, addressing and tools for heavy-duty trucks and machinery. Examples and troubleshooting tips included. [ Learn More → ](https://www.autopi.io/blog/j1939-explained/) Guides #### CAN Bus Explained (2025): Frames, Arbitration & Tools Understand identifiers, arbitration, error handling and analyzers used in automotive systems. Practical examples and diagrams. [ Learn More → ](https://www.autopi.io/blog/can-bus-explained/) // contact ## Still have questions? Get in touch with us - we're ready to answer any and all questions. // send a message We aim to reply within one business day. Or email [sales@autopi.io](mailto:sales@autopi.io).