Every year, drivers are surprised by winter – but that doesn’t have to be the case: With these 9 tips, you can tailor your vehicle so you can drive safely even on slippery roads and poor visibility conditions.
1. Install winter tires
If you haven’t installed winter tires yet, now is the time! Because from 7 degrees or colder, winter tires offer better grip than summer tires. Also read TCS winter tire test 2021.
2. Add antifreeze
Mix antifreeze into windshield washer fluid – you can also buy ready-made mixes from authorized dealers. In this way, the nozzles are frost-free and the windows can be cleaned at any time.
3. Clean the windows
So that the windows do not darken from the inside, they need to be cleaned regularly – now is the time. Use the air conditioner in winter as it removes moisture from the air.
4. Check the wiper blades
For good visibility, it is essential to check and, if necessary, replace the windshield wiper blades so that they do not leave marks on the windshield when wiping.
5. Completely clear the snow from the car
If the vehicle is covered with snow, remove snow not only from the windshield and rear windows, but also from the side windows, bonnet and roof. Anyone who fails to do so faces criminal charges. In addition to a hefty fine, this can result in your license being revoked.
6. Oil door locks
On older cars, it’s a good idea to lubricate the door locks to keep them from freezing. The silicone grease on the door seals also prevents the doors from seizing.
7. Check the equipment
During the winter, it’s a good idea to always have a hand brush, an ice scraper, a flashlight, gloves, jumper wires, a blanket and a small snow shovel in the car to vacuum the snow. So you are prepared for all possibilities. All-wheel drive vehicles should also have snow chains because chains often offer more stability and traction and can also be mandatory on mountain passes, despite the 4×4.
8. Take off your jackets
It may sound mundane, but all passengers must remove their jackets in the car. The reason: with a thick jacket, the seat belt plays too much in a collision and the risk of injury increases.
9. Adjust the driving behavior
After all, how safe it is to spend the winter depends on driving behavior. It is recommended that you take enough time and drive with forethought and sufficient distance. The braking distance is longer on slippery roads. In addition, jerky steering maneuvers, sudden bursts of gas or braking should not be performed. Basically, front wheel drive cars are easier to drive on snow because the drive wheels automatically pull the car in the desired direction. Rear-wheel drive vehicles tend to go off the road if too much gas is applied. A 4×4 helps with take off, but braking and cornering is no better than with front- or rear-wheel drive.