This year's winter was exceptional. Ski lovers appreciate excellent conditions on the slopes, not only abroad but also in Poland. Car is main kind of transportation regarding winter holidays. It is the most convenient one, especially if we are taking winter equipment like ski or snowboard with us. That's why we have to prepare our vehicle properly. How to do it?
1) First of all, we need to have winter tyres, marked with an alpine snowflake on a mountain background. Sometimes we can see individual M + S symbol, which is only the manufacturer's declaration, that the tyre has a tread-snow-mud. Alpine symbol highlights the tyre’s high efficiency at lower temperatures, not only on the snowy roads. According to the research, tyres with the alpine symbol are the the safest option at the temperatures of 10 degrees and below.
2) Next we check the pressure, because it is one of the most important parameters affecting road safety. And it depends on it whether the tyre will adhere well to the road during braking and cornering. Use the pressure gauges at petrol stations. We need to remember, that lower temperature outside causes a drop in tyre pressure by 0.2 bar at 0 degrees Celsius, 0.3 bar at -10 degrees and 0.4 bar at -20 degrees. The result of the too low pressure will be be faster tyre use and more frequent fueling due to the increased rolling resistance.
3) Do not forget about the spare wheel – we should check carefully whether there are damages and provide adequate pressure. Measure the depth of the tread, which should be at least 1.6 mm in the absence of the so-called usage indicators on the tyre. However, one should be aware of the fact, that greater security provides a tread depth of at least 3 mm for summer tyres and 4 mm for winter ones. The lower the tread, the lower the possibility of drainage and slush in case of winter tyres.
4) Make sure that the brake system operates smoothly and the battery is charged. Just in case you should have jumper cables in the trunk.
5) We exchange window cleaner for winter one and, if necessary, also wipers, because good vision is the basis of safe driving.
6) Check the heating system of your car.
7) Provide adequate emergency equipment - first aid kit, blanket, shovel, flashlight, matches and a glass scraper.
8) If you're going to the mountains, do not forget about the snow chains adapted to the size of the tyre, because in case of snowstorm they may be the only way to keep the correct direction. Chains are mandatory in some countries, e. g. France, Italy and Austria. Keep in mind that the speed limit with snow chains on is up to 50 km/h, do not brake suddenly or accelerate. Chains must also be properly maintained to retain their properties. But above all, they must be adapted to the right tyre and properly set up to be effectively able to carry the torque up and eliminate slip phenomenon etc.
9) Let’s tank to the full to avoid the situation, where water gathers in car tank and gets into fuel.
10) During driving we need to remember the basic safety rules, like keep enough distance from the car in front of us. What we consider a safe distance is a double one between vehicles. Also very often snow covers different dangerous things, logs, stones or icy road sections, so we should avoid situations where we need to stop at high speed. No sudden movements - both acceleration and deceleration, trying to take foot off the gas without using the brake.
11) The days are short, so try to leave as soon as possible, so that you will not drive after dark. And remember that sleep is the best friend of the driver. Perfectly prepared car can be useless if the driver is not able to react appropriate to different situations on the road.
- Time of winter travelling in Poland is extended nowadays. Usually we start in December, right after Christmas, and finish at the end of March. Most often we go south, often being trapped in giant traffic jams. Travel time increases, which causes more tiredness of the drivers. Take this into account in our travels. Let's be safe this winter - sums up Piotr Sarnecki, Director General of the Polish Association of the Tyre Industry.
Source: Polish Tyre Industry Association