We all know that winter can be a dangerous time for driving.
Especially when it is freezing.
So what is the best way to survive icy roads and cold temperatures? I will give you some great tips, to help you and your car survive another winter in one piece.
Get your winter tires now There are quite a few countries in Europe, like Belgium or the Netherlands, where snowfall is somewhat irregular.
As a result, a lot of people use the same tires in winter and in summer.
According to some tire manufacturers this has to do with incorrect information on the topic.
So I thought it would be a good to start this article off by addressing some of the myths surrounding the actual purpose or benefit of winter tires (or snow tires).
1.
Winter tires are only useful when it snows Wrong.
Snow tires perform better in wet and cold weather, not just snow.
2.
Summer tires do equally well in cold conditions Wrong again.
In reality, winter tires always perform better at all temperatures below 7° C (=44.
6° F).
The rubber compound of snow tires is designed to remain flexible at cold temperatures, because the rubber band from a summer tire will harden when the temperature drops below 7 ° C.
3.
I can drive faster with snow tires It's true that winter tires provide better traction and vehicle control, but it is still best to keep your distance and not drive too fast so you can respond properly to unexpected circumstances.
4.
Snow tires are too expensive.
Not true, the prices of winter and summer tires are similar.
5.
Snow tires wear out much faster and consume more fuel than standard tires.
False.
Winter tires actually wear out more slowly at the low temperatures they are intended for.
6.
Winter tires are not mandatory in Europe There are different legislations in different European countries.
In some countries they are compulsory in others they are not, and in some cases snow tires are only obliged when a specific road sign indicates they are.
It's best to check local regulations for correct information.
Prepare your car Replacing your summer tires with snow tires is a good start.
But there are more things you can do to keep yourself and your car in good condition.
Firstly I would advise you to take your vehicle to a mechanic.
Make sure that it is in good shape before temperatures start dropping.
Stop ignoring that little rambling sound in the back, and just take your four wheeler to the shop.
And whilst you are there, let the mechanic have a look at your antifreeze level, the thermostat, the heater, the battery, the brakes, and the defroster as these are typical defects for the winter season.
Another good tip I can give you, is to give your car a coat of wax and to rinse it off regularly.
Why? Because the salt used to keep the roads free of ice can damage the paint job on your vehicle.
Driving tips I would like to conclude this article with some sensible driving tips.
First of all, when the roads are in a poor state, don't go looking for trouble.
Listen to the road advisories.
And if you have to go out, let someone know your route so you don't get stranded.
The key to driving on slippery roads is to anticipate traffic: see turns, red lights, stops signs, and necessary lane changes well in advance.
You can give yourself and your vehicle enough time to react by leaving plenty of room between yourself and the car before you.
Don't accelerate quickly, don't brake hard, and don't make any sudden movements with the steering wheel.
Conversely, don't go too slow.
The car will need some speed to be able to push through heavier snow without getting stuck.
That's also why you should stay clear of heavy trucks.
They tend to get stuck.
Also a good tip for anyone who drives a car with a manual transmission.
Don't push your clutch pedal down more than is absolutely necessary.
It reduces your grip on the road.
And take into account that you have more grip when your rpm is slightly higher.
And when you are going downhill, you can brake on the engine by shifting to a lower gear.
I hope my tips have been useful and that you and your car will have a safe winter.