Planning a winter vacation? This is a great idea! However, if you are going by car, certain precautions should be taken. Indeed, as the road will be snowy and icy, it will be necessary to prepare your vehicle well so that the trip can take place in comfort and safety. Here are some tips that will help you do that.
Check your car carefully
Before you hit the road, it’s important to do a few checks on your car. There are several points to consider for this. First of all, there is the battery, the ignition, heating, defrosting and cooling systems and any other element essential to the proper functioning of the vehicle. When it’s freezing, don’t forget to check your antifreeze and windshield washer fluid levels. Make sure everything is in order before you leave and make sure your gas tank is always full so that you are not caught unprepared in remote areas. Finally, before you leave, you should also make sure you have all your accessories with you (squeegee, broom, de-icing products, cloth, etc.).
Equip your vehicle with winter tires
When it’s winter, you should never forget to equip your car with winter tires. It is indeed essential for your safety. As soon as the temperature drops below 7°C, it is important to mount special tires on your vehicle. Moreover, this will be mandatory if you plan to go to Germany or Switzerland. In this case, you will have to equip yourself with snow tires. These provide better grip on snow and therefore guarantee a more stable and comfortable ride. Winter tires also have treads that help evacuate water and slush. This increases the resistance to aquaplaning and allows for a safe driving experience.
Also, in case there is a lot of snow, it may be necessary to have chains or socks. These accessories wrap around the wheel and provide a safer ride.
Clear your car of snow
So that you can drive with a clear vision, never forget to remove the snow from your car. Do this every time you see snow on your windshield. Besides, you won’t need any specific tools for that. A strong cardboard box will do very well. Do the same for the snow that piles up on your hood or on the roof of your car. If it doesn’t bother you, a pile of snow on your roof can still cause problems for other vehicles following you. Also, if you notice frost accompanying the snow, it will be essential to scrape them off. In order to make it more effective, you can put the car’s de-icing system into action.
Adapt your driving
Last but not least, you will also need to adjust the way you drive. Follow the safety tips carefully and drive slower than usual. Also, make sure you have as much visibility as possible and respect the safety distances. All of this will help you avoid accidents and drive safely.
