You hear it a lot: "winter is the most enjoyable time of the year. But for motorists, the winter months are not always a pleasant time to be on the road. Your eyes are blinded by the bright winter sun, and you have to work your way with full concentration through the dirty slush that hides uneven road surfaces. During winter, driving can be quite a challenge. Read below 5 useful tips that are sure to help you drive more safely in the winter weather.
Follow the trail of your predecessor
Come across a set of tire tracks from a predecessor on your route? Follow the same trail! In a thick layer of snow, it is often very difficult to maneuver. So why make it hard on yourself when it can be easier? Although the flattened snow seems harmless, it is often more slippery than you think. So be sure to adjust your speed and save yourself the stress by leaving a little earlier than you planned.
Rear-wheel drive? Put extra weight in your car for more grip!
Do you drive a vehicle with rear-wheel drive? Then you probably know how difficult it is to drive in snow, especially on slopes and bridges. However, you can increase the grip of your tires. You do this by putting extra weight in the back of your vehicle. Thanks to this extra weight on the axle that powers your vehicle, your car will already find grip a little easier on the slippery road surface. To do this, use something you have at your disposal. Think sandbags, boxes or why not a bag of cat litter?
Buy snow chains and use them!
In slippery weather conditions, snow chains are your right hand. They provide better traction, giving you more control behind the wheel. When buying snow chains, it is best to pay attention to a few things:
1 | Buy them at the specialty store
Today you can find and purchase almost everything online. Although you will undoubtedly be able to buy a pair of suitable snow chains there, we still recommend going to a physical store where you will get the necessary explanations and tips . Snow chains - just like a pair of shoes - should fit like a glove. That way you can be 100% sure that you have purchased the right set and avoid a mis-buy.
2 | Choose quality
In heavy snow, a strong pair of snow chains is definitely not a luxury. Although you can find snow chains from as little as €30, it's best to choose a set you can trust. So look for a good price/quality ratio and be sure to ask the salesperson in the store for help. They can show you the best options tailored to your car.
3 | Buy the right size
Speaking of "custom"; not every car tire is the same. One tire has a deeper tread than another and the width can also vary from tire to tire. So don't assume that your old snow chains will also fit your new car. Sets specifically designed for a brand and model often dare to be slightly more expensive. Want to go for quality, but also watch your budget? Then choose a universal set.
Practice in advance
Nothing is more frustrating than trying to put the snow chains around your tires with icy hands while you are silently snowed in. Therefore, practice on placing the snow chains before you really need them. That way you will avoid frustration and make your car winter-proof in no time!
4. Winter tires are your best friend!
Switching between winter and summer tires makes a world of difference, but why exactly? Well, they are both made from a different type of rubber . As the temperature outside continues to drop, the rubber of the summer tire will become harder .
This has the effect that when you brake, your tire has much less grip and so you may well begin to skid. A winter tire, on the other hand, is made of a softer rubber, so the car will have a much easier time braking in low temperatures. Also, the grooves - also known as the "tread" - of a winter tire are different, so it also has more grip.
There is also a golden mean for those who prefer not to worry about changing tires: all-season or 4-season tires. These tires perform slightly better in winter than summer tires (but true winter tires perform better) and slightly better in summer than if you drive with winter tires (but again, summer tires will do better).
Extra tip: Not sure when is the best time to switch to winter tires? As soon as the temperature drops below +7°C, it is recommended to change your summer tires to winter tires.
Just in case: take a skid course!
It is common knowledge that abrupt braking on a slippery road surface is not a good idea. Yet in practice, you often still have the reflex to brake, which quickly causes you to briefly lose control of your car. Your tires have no grip on a slippery road surface and do not react the way you want them to. This can quickly turn into dangerous situations for you and for others.
Do you want to be able to react correctly to unexpected situations? Then a skid course is definitely for you! In a skid course you learn what actions you can and cannot do in different weather conditions. That way you are prepared and you drive a little safer in winter traffic.
Connect with us
Besides getting into winter traffic safely, do you want to track your vehicle? At All-Connects we always work on a tailor-made basis. That's why we are happy to go over all your needs and wishes with you in a free, no-obligation consultation. You can easily contact us here : by phone +32 3 289 55 35 or via the form below.
