To brake on icy surfaces, you should use?

Using extremely light pressure when braking on icy surfaces is the safest approach. Ice reduces traction significantly, which means applying too much force to the brakes can lead to a loss of control over your vehicle. Light pressure allows you to maintain traction while still decelerating effectively. This method helps you avoid skidding, allowing the tires to grip the surface more evenly and provides better control of the vehicle as you adjust your speed.

In contrast, hard intermittent brake applications or a constant brake application can cause the wheels to lock up, especially on ice, which would significantly increase the chances of a skid. Staying off the brakes entirely and relying on engine compression might slow down the vehicle but lacks precision and may not provide adequate stopping power in situations where brakes are needed to navigate safely. Thus, using extremely light pressure is the most effective and safest method when braking on icy surfaces.