Winter is here

Winter is here - these tips will help you get through the next cold spell.

Basic equipment for cold days

In addition to tires an ice scraper, snow brush and defroster for the door locks should be part of the basic equipment of every vehicle.

Clear view when driving in winter

Before every drive, you should take the time to free the vehicle from snow and ice. The roof of the car should be cleared completely; If snow falls while driving and hits other road users, this can, in the worst case, result in high claims for damages.

In wintry weather: adapt your driving style!

When the road surface is covered with snow and ice, the top priority is: Get off the gas! Even when the road surface is wet, the speed should be reduced. The distance to the vehicle in front should also be calculated particularly generously, as the braking distance is dramatically increased in snow and ice.

Pay attention to the road

Road conditions often change particularly quickly at temperatures around freezing. The so-called black ice can be an unpleasant surprise. The road is suddenly as smooth as a mirror. The risk of black ice is particularly high on shady road sections, on bridges or in the forest. Be careful and pay more attention when driving in those areas.

Leave ESP switched on

If available, the ESP (electronic stability program) should remain switched on when driving on icy roads. This reduces the risk of the vehicle sliding. However, you shouldn’t completely rely on it: even with activated ESP, it is essential to adapt your driving style in wintry weather.

Avoid jerky steering maneuvers

Jerky steering maneuvers can cause the car to slide or even spin. In order not to lose grip, you should steer particularly carefully and calmly on snow and ice - this is especially true when unforeseen situations arise.