The beginning of the year is the winter holiday period. Many people go there by car, which is why the Polish Tyre Industry Association presents its advice on how to prepare your vehicle for travel - both domestic and foreign.
Before a long-awaited trip our thoughts often drift to our destination, or we become completely engrossed in packing and preparing ski equipment. We forget about the most important issue - arriving safely at our destination. Meanwhile, it's our car that requires careful preparation and proper equipment for such a journey. This is especially important in winter time, when the weather conditions and traffic situations surprise us much more often than in summer.
"Only a properly prepared and equipped car ensures safety and comfort for us and our loved ones, and this is most important after all," underlines Piotr Sarnecki, General Director of the Polish Tyre Industry Association.
Proper preparation of the car for a winter trip means more than just adding fluid to the washer reservoir or throwing a window scraper in the glove compartment. First of all, the car should be equipped with winter tyres. At the end of last year most drivers made the seasonal change of tyres, but one can still notice vehicles with summer tyres on the road, in spite of the terrible conditions. Please note that in winter conditions only tyres marked with a snowflake on the background of a mountain can provide adequate traction and the shortest braking distance on ice, snow and water when compared with summer and year-round tyres. Variable conditions, snow and frosts followed by temporary melting and warming, these are all a task for winter tyres, which will be the safest choice in such circumstances.
However, the fact that you have winter tyres is not enough. Their condition is another issue that needs to be checked before travelling. Looking closely at the tyres makes it possible find possible cracks, holes or deformations in the tyre. If you find them, go to a professional tyre service station. There, a specialist will assess whether the tyre is still safe to use or repair the damage. Before setting off, it's also necessary to check tyre pressure and tread depth, which directly affect traction and reduce the risk of a very dangerous phenomenon - aquaplaning. In addition, correct tyre pressure will make you smile at the petrol station. Under-inflated tyres translate into increased fuel consumption. Add to this a full set of passengers, luggage and highway speeds, and driving on tyres with insufficient pressure simply becomes very dangerous.
Check the general condition, pressure and tyre tread of the spare tyre as well!
Once you've checked the tyres, make sure what is the freezing temperature of the engine coolant and, if necessary, replace it. Such a verification at a service station takes just a moment and can save significant expenses should, for example, the engine block crack. It's also important to use an appropriate, freeze-resistant, winter washer fluid, replenish the tank regularly, as well as assure that a spare package is in the vehicle. Windshield wipers also need to be checked for wear. Make sure they collect dirt well and, if not, replace them, as good visibility is the basis of safe driving. Lighting is also an important factor - especially in winter, when it gets dark very early. Be equipped with spare bulbs and before the trip verify that all those previously installed work. Replace, if necessary. Pay attention to the cleanliness of headlight lenses and reflectors. The overall condition of the car is also important, so if something bothers you and the car is behaving "strangely", take it to a service station to investigate the cause. Verify the cover offered by your car insurance and, if in doubt, contact the insurer.
When you're far from home and, sometimes, also from cities with automotive accessory shops, you won't be able to equip your car, so make sure that you have all the necessary equipment.
This consists of:
If you're going abroad, refer to the regulations in force in the country of destination. Speed limits, regulations on transporting children, the use of lights and tyres are the most important issues. Detailed information about the regulations in force in European countries can be found at: www.pzpo.org.pl/aktualnosci/o-czym-nalezy-pamietac-wyjezdzajac-na-ferie-zimowe-za-granice.html and in the application "Autem za granicę" (Abroad by car) developed as part of the "Partnerstwo dla Bezpieczeństwa Drogowego" (Road Safety Partnership) initiative.
"Before leaving for the holidays, spend some time and get not only yourself, but also your car ready. Everybody should remember that, so that the road there and back is safe and the winter holiday brings only nice memories," Piotr Sarnecki sums up.
Source: Polish Tyre Industry Association