Hoe je de winter zonder problemen doorkomt
It's getting dark quickly again and the days are getting shorter; a sign that winter is setting in. Winter often means cold, rain, snow, and slippery conditions. How do you ensure you can take to the road safely in winter and be as little affected as possible by the winter weather? Below we provide 7 car tips to go on the road well-prepared in winter.
1. Check the weather forecast beforehand
Always set off on your journey well-prepared in winter. Before you set off, check the weather forecast for the coming hours so you know what to expect. If heavy rain or snow is expected, you can decide to avoid it or estimate how long the winter weather is likely to last.
By checking the weather beforehand, you'll be better prepared for what might come your way and can set off with peace of mind.
2. Clean your car windows and car lights
Another tip for your car in winter is to always ensure that car windows and lights are clean before you set off. If there's been snowfall, take the time to clear snow from your windows, lights and roof. De-ice your windows and wing mirrors too. If you don't do this, it can lead to dangerous situations on the road. The snow that is blown off your car while driving can also be a danger to other road users.
3. Check the tread depth of your tyres
It is wise to prepare your car properly for winter. Before winter begins, you can check if your tyres still have sufficient tread depth. Winter tyres and snow chains can give your car much more grip on the road.
Winter tyres
One of the most important tips for your car in winter is to use winter tyres. With (new) winter tyres, you'll have more grip on the road. Especially in snow or ice, you'll notice an enormous difference compared to summer tyres. The tread depth of 4.0mm is therefore at least twice as much as with summer tyres. This means that with winter tyres, the braking distance is shorter, which greatly reduces the chance of accidents. Are you planning to drive through snow with your summer tyres? We'll tell you here more about the risks involved.
Snow chains
Are you going on a ski holiday? Then fit snow chains to your tyres. Snow chains provide even more grip than winter tyres. This is particularly recommended in heavy snowfall or extremely icy conditions. You won't need them very often in the Netherlands, but they are genuinely recommended for some ski resorts.
In another blog We'll tell you more about how to get your car ready for winter.
4. Dealing with frost
Do you find frost on your car windows in the morning? Gently scrape it off with an ice scraper. While scraping, start the engine to warm up the car from the inside. It's important that you don't drive off until you can see clearly through all the car windows. What you absolutely must not do is pour boiling water over your windows. This is very likely to cause your window to crack due to the extreme temperature differences.
5. Never warm up the car in an enclosed space
Do you have your own garage and want to warm up your car before you leave? If so, always make sure to keep the garage door open. The high concentration of carbon monoxide produced by a car can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. This can lead to headaches, dizziness, and even fainting.
6. Car battery drains faster
Another winter tip for your car that you must remember is that cold weather can cause your car's battery to drain faster. This is mainly because your car has to work harder to move itself. Using the heater can also cause the battery to drain faster. So, in winter, check your battery more often than usual. A battery charger is therefore not an unnecessary luxury.
7. Watch your fuel gauge
It's always wise to regularly check your fuel gauge, but in winter, an empty fuel tank can be particularly troublesome. In cold weather conditions, condensation of moisture in the air can cause water build-up in your fuel tank. If this water gets into your fuel tank, it can cause blockages in fuel consumption. So, fill up a bit more often in winter. Don't let the needle approach the ‘E’, but refuel in good time.
TipDon't let the fuel gauge drop below a ¼. We'll be giving more tips in another blog post. Tips to make sure you don't run out of petrol.
Driving in winter weather requires different precautions than usual. Have you hired a car from us in winter? Check the 7 tips above to make the most of it and avoid problems.
