Winter preparation

Tyres

It’s worth checking the tyre pressure and condition regularly. Make sure you have the right groove depth, which you can measure with a coin. It is also recommended that you use tyres with the right tread pattern and compound for the season.

 

Battery

If you don’t want to break down somewhere in the middle of the road because your battery is flat, it’s a good idea to take your car to a garage to have it checked. Keep an eye on the condition of the battery and, just in case, have a jumper cable with you that you can use to connect to another car’s battery in case you need to ‘tick over’ the car.

Wiper blades

It’s also worth checking the wipers, if the wiper blades aren’t wiping properly they should be cleaned or a new pair bought. If the wipers are worn or damaged, they need to be replaced immediately, which you can do at a petrol station.

Oil

It’s always a good idea to check the engine oil level regularly. In winter, too, you should make sure you use the correct engine oil, see your owner’s manual or contact your dealer for more information.

 

Window washer fluid

You’re likely to use your window cleaner a lot more in winter, when a lot of dirt, salt and mud gets on the windscreen. Of course you should use antifreeze window cleaner, which you can buy at any supermarket or petrol station, and the instructions on the bottle will tell you how to use it.

Lighting and brakes

Winter weather conditions often create limited visibility. In such conditions, lighting has a dual function: to see and to be seen. It is therefore worth checking your headlights, brake lights, position lights and indicators. Be very careful with your fog lights, and only use them if you really have to, as they can blind other drivers. Of course, slippery roads also increase braking distances, so be sure to check that the brakes are working effectively.

Fuel

Always have enough fuel in the car, just in case you get stuck in the snow and need to run the engine. If you drive an electric car, keep the battery charged.

Cooling-heating

In addition to antifreeze window cleaner, use antifreeze coolant. Ask your mechanic for the right concentration of fluid. Coolant comes in different colours, red is usually the most durable.

Equipment

Circumstances can go wrong very suddenly, so it’s a good idea to be prepared for the worst with your equipment. Of course, no one wants to camp out in the car, but it’s better to have a few aids with you.

Phone charger

Have a phone charger in your glove box, complete with a 12V converter that plugs into a cigarette lighter. Most phones can be charged via a USB cable, it is very important that you have at least one working phone.

Icemaker & ice scraper

Essential accessories. They are almost guaranteed to be used when leaving in the morning and returning home in the afternoon. You might as well get an ice scraper with a hand warmer and a basic drive.

 

Warm, waterproof clothing

Several thin layers can be better than a thick jacket, the point is that warm clothing is essential. Also carry thick socks and a pair of gloves, and keep a warm blanket in the car in case you have to spend the night.

A shovel and an old carpet

If you live in a place where snow falls more often and more heavily, you may need a shovel to dig out your car. An old carpet can be put under the wheels in case of a puncture.

Sunglasses, food

The sunlight can sneakily reflect off white snow, so it’s a good idea to keep a pair of sunglasses with you. Carry water, cereal bars or chocolate in case you have to spend the night in the car.

Flashlight

An essential, but check the batteries at least once a month.

Visibility vest

It’s vital that if you break down, wear one next to the car so that other motorists can easily detect your presence.

Final touches

Clean all the windows and side mirrors. Remove any snow or slush from the bodywork, as it can be an accident hazard if the wind blows it off the roof. Also make sure that you have removed any condensation from the windscreen before setting off.

Also lift the wiper blades to check that they are not frozen to the windscreen.

Beat the snow and ice off your shoes, otherwise it’s easy to slip your foot off the pedal.

So the car is ready – but how do you drive?

Driving

Don’t speed! You’ll only get more nervous and lose concentration. Get going first and check the traffic and weather forecast before you hit the road. It’s also worth thinking about whether you really need to get on the road.

If you really must get in the car, drive according to the conditions. Quick, sudden movements can be dangerous.

Watch your braking distance

Leave more stopping distance than usual. In icy or snowy conditions, braking distances can be up to ten times longer. If the wheels lock when braking, release the brake pedal and then apply it again, slowly reducing speed.

Don’t get too close to the car in front of you, as it could get stuck or drift sideways at any time. If you do get stuck or the wheels spin, try starting in second gear at low revs. When driving, use as high a gear as possible to reduce the torque on the wheels.

Speed gears

If you are driving an automatic gearbox and the wheels spin, try to keep the car in first or second gear using the manual gears. Most automatic cars have a winter mode, if you have one, switch it on.

It is also worth paying attention to the gears if you are dealing with very low-quality road surfaces. The engine brake can also help. The traction control system can even work in reverse in icy and snowy conditions. Often it’s better to turn it off and let the wheels spin.

If you’re stuck and can’t move forward or backward, call for help. Run the engine for 10 minutes every hour to keep the vehicle warm. Make sure the exhaust is clear, otherwise toxic fumes can easily escape into the passenger compartment.

Descent

When going downhill, start very carefully and use a low gear to ensure the engine brake works properly. If you have to brake, do so very carefully. Only start up a steep slope if you know the road is clear. Be careful when stopping, you will also need momentum to make an efficient climb. If the car starts to slide sideways, turn the steering wheel in the direction of the slide.

Loss of control

If you feel the car starting to skid, concentrate on where you want to go and don’t look at the obstacle in front of you, as this usually leads to a collision.

Aim for straight line braking and acceleration. Avoid doing either when cornering. Just because you have four-wheel drive working underneath you, you may not be able to take corners at high speed.

What about winter tyres?

It’s a long-repeated mantra that winter tyres work better in temperatures below 7 degrees – better grip, more stable car in snowy conditions.

 

Why invest in winter tyres? For me it’s not even a question, safety comes first. Many people think it’s a cool solution to drive on the same tyres all year round, come rain or shine. But remember that the number one cause of accidents on slippery roads is the lack of winter tyres. Don’t waste your money on them!

Test

 

When braking on snowy roads, winter tyres had half the stopping distance of summer tyres. That alone is a very serious risk-reducing factor. With summer tyres, the braking distance was 6.5 metres longer, even though the speed was only 30 km/h.

 

Traction

In addition to safe stopping, good grip is also very important, and winter tyres clearly perform better here too.

 

Costs

Of course, the cost of winter tyres and their storage can be considerable. However, it is worth bearing in mind that you are not buying them for a single season, as they do not wear out as much after 4-5 months of use. Any changes you make to your car must also be reported to your insurance company, and this includes the tyres. Using winter tyres can have a positive effect on your insurance.

The safety factor makes it worth spending on tyres, as they can be a matter of life and death.

Winter checklist

1. Do you have to get in the car?

2. Make sure you have the right equipment, including a phone charger, torch and warm clothing.

3. Clean the car before you go.

4. Slow down! Expect a much longer journey and longer braking distances. Do not approach too close to the car in front of you, as unexpected events can happen at any time.

5. If you get into trouble, don’t panic. Call for help and keep the engine running to keep warm.