Traveling by car in winter - how to prepare?

When it's warm, just get in and drive. But traveling in winter is much more demanding. First, the car needs to be properly prepared, and if we do not have a garage, we will have a daily ritual of scraping windows. And also the traffic jams when it is impossible to drive because of snow ...

Let us not follow the road builders - let us not be surprised by the winter! Before frost and snow attack, let's prepare properly. It is best, of course, to perform a winter inspection in the service center, but the absolute minimum is to change the tires to winter ones, refilling the washer reservoir with liquid resistant to bitter frost , and checking the level of other fluids. It is also worth checking the condition of the wiper blades and replacing them if necessary.

Winter shopping

But fluids, tires and windshield wipers are not all that should be included on the winter shopping list. Winning the war against winter requires a window scraper and a snow brush. A shovel (or snow shovel) may be needed not only by people who park in the open air. It can also be useful on a small snow-covered path or in a snow-free parking lot next to the store. Let's not forget about the cables that will allow the engine to be started in an emergency using the neighbor's battery.

If you want to quickly get rid of ice and frost from windows, special spray de-icers and anti-frost preparations are available. In your pocket or bag (but not inside the car!), You should carry a lock de-icer in winter.

If we are planning further trips in winter, we should not forget about such "gadgets" as a flashlight, a blanket and a thermos . This is in case we get stuck somewhere on an impassable county road or… Polish highway. Before the trip, fill the thermos flask with hot coffee or tea, and fill the car's fuel tank to the full (in case of a traffic jam for many hours).

Before you go

A fairly convenient way to at least partially eliminate the problem with snow and ice on the windows is to use a special cover for the windshield and side windows . The only problem is the necessity to put on such a cover every day. Therefore, some choose a slightly less effective but simpler solution by covering the windshield with a piece of cardboard.

When removing snow from the car, remember to get rid of snow from the entire vehicle . Not only windows (they should be transparent) and mirrors, but also lights and license plates should be removed from snow. We also do not overlook the roof. Fragments of ice and snow while driving can be blown onto the cars behind us, and this can be dangerous (or result in a fine).

In cars produced today, it is not recommended to warm up a cold engine while stationary . After starting the engine, leave as soon as possible, so that the car warms up in road conditions.

But before we leave, let's dress appropriately. Suitable for driving, not just for the weather! The driver should have freedom of movement during the journey, therefore it is not advisable that he should be wrapped in a thick jacket, hat and scarf. You can wear a thick sweater or a fleece sweatshirt. In addition, it is worth taking care of leather gloves . And remember that in winter, no less than in summer, sunglasses may come in handy.

While driving

The black road can be tricky. Sometimes the road doesn't look slippery at all, although it is. Therefore, at minus temperatures or even at 2-3 degrees of heat, you should always be extremely careful. For this reason, we should keep a greater distance than usual in front of the vehicle in front of us , in order to have more time and space for braking.

Many drivers like to keep their car warm during winter driving. But when it's too warm inside, it's easy to lose concentration. Ideally, we should manage to keep the temperature around 20-21 degrees Celsius .

In order to get to your destination efficiently and safely, it is worth giving up uncertain shortcuts and less traveled roads. Remember that roads in Poland are divided into snow removal classes. The most important routes are cleared of snow first.

Special precautions should be taken if we are stuck in a long, winter traffic jam. In such a situation, the car may lose its proper temperature quickly. It is advisable to limit the heating then, so that the heat from the engine is not completely transferred to the interior of the cabin.

In order to save the battery, in emergency situations it is worth resigning from the use of such amenities as heating the rear window, mirrors or seats. Let us use "power-hungry" accessories in moderation .

And when we reach our destination on a frosty day (or night), remember not to leave the car "on the hand". If we forget about it, in the morning we may have a problem with lowering such a brake. And then we will have to ask a mechanic for help or ... wait for spring.