Which 6 preventive checks before a winter getaway will leave you speechless

A road accident during winter driving can be avoided by taking some precautions, and below we will analyze the driving behaviour that each driver must exhibit regardless of experience, so that he does not suddenly come to a standstill on the roadway and thus cause a road accident. In addition, there are some useful tips for dealing with the dangers that lie ahead.

Various scientific studies* have shown that road safety in winter so as not to cause a road accident depends to a large extent on the four lanes of the tyre (i.e. the so-called tread of the tyre).

According to the above studies and statistics, the risk of creating a road accident during winter driving is six times greater.

That's why it's recommended to switch to winter tyres or at least check your old tyres.

Because the contact surface of the tyre determines the stability of the vehicle, especially when driving on wet roads (see Learn the 2 basic prevention measures before you drive on a wet road surface), the placement of winter tires when traveling during the winter is imperative and not only for snow.

Due to a special profile (deep side tread grooves, solid side heels and dense microchips), winter tyres are absolutely essential for safe driving in cold, bad weather conditions.

What is the difference between winter tyres and common tyres, and how important a role do they play in avoiding a road accident during winter driving?

Common tyres tend to harden or shine as soon as temperatures drop. On the contrary, the rubber of winter tyres remains flexible, even at temperatures below zero.

This means that they can achieve significantly greater traction on dry roads, so that during driving the control of the vehicle is improved and the braking and stopping distances are shortened (see What is the correct safety distance between 2 vehicles with numbers). compared to common tyres during the winter.

Simply put, winter tyres due to the numerous 'microchips' create, so to speak, edges of traction which are essentially 'hooked' on snow, mud or ice below seven (7) degrees Celsius, resulting in better traction.

In addition, it is worth noting that a vehicle's systems such as the ABS (Anti-lock braking system) and ESP (Electronic Stability program) can only work if the tyres transfer the deceleration power from the car to the roadway.

That's why the most suitable tyres, in order to avoid a road accident during winter driving, are considered the tyres with the indication (M + S) on the sidewall and the symbol of the snowflake. These indications confirm that the tyre has been successfully tested in winter conditions.

However, as winter tyres are also damaged, they work perfectly only within certain wear and age limits. The new winter tyres have a tread depth of 8 mm, while the minimum allowed is 1.6 mm. For safety reasons winter tyres must have a remaining tread depth of at least 4 mm.

A particularly practical method of measuring the tread depth of your tyres is to check with a coin.

If the edge of the coin disappears between the 'heels', then the tyre is in good condition.

The age of each tyre can be determined from the date of production, by a mandatory four-digit sidewall indication (DOT 1115), which means the 11th week of the year 2015.

It is noteworthy that when you need to change a tire depends not only on the production date (the dominant expression is not always valid every 4 years) but also on the tread depth, the hardening of the eraser, etc.

What do we need to know in order to avoid a road accident occurring during the winter driving?

It is always necessary, but especially when driving in winter, it is imperative to impose our selfishness. We must learn not to drive aggressively, especially when due to the fact that the road surface is slippery we do not know what we will encounter.

There is always the possibility that there are immobilized vehicles after a turn, rural means that move at a very low speed, animals that suddenly cross the roadway, etc.

In addition, calmness in the car is essential, as is the complete avoidance of irritation, while the music should be at normal levels of intensity.

Therefore, all the above, combined with the absolute concentration we need to have on the road, will enable us to successfully deal with unexpected situations and avoid possible involvement in a road accident.

What checks should we perform on our vehicle during winter driving and especially before a trip?

It is necessary to check preventively in the following parts / points of the car in order for our route during the winter months to be done safely and reliably without affecting the condition of the car and its occupants.

1. Winter Tyres

First of all, we check if the tyres are in good condition (tread depth greater than 1.6 mm specified by the Traffic Code) and the pressure is the one specified by the car manufacturer.

In case we are constantly moving in areas with bad weather or snow, we definitely choose winter tyres.

Finally, winter tyres need to be stored properly to be able to get through the summer months intact. An easy and quick solution is to leave them in the tire shop where we bought them.

2. Snow Snow Chains

We must have snow snow chains with us on a permanent basis. Snow chains are placed exclusively on the axle (or on all 2 axles) of the wheels exactly as recommended by the manufacturer of each car alone, which is detailed in the instruction book – maintenance.

At this point it should be emphasized that winter tyres do not restore the above snow chains when driving in mountainous places.

How many types of snow snow chains are there in the Greek market?

The anti-skid systems that circulate are the traditional chains, the snow blankets – socks – sails, the rubber chains and the special systems.

The system we choose should meet three conditions to be of high standards, to be the right number for our tires and to know very well how to place it and how to remove it from the tires.

It is quite important during the trip with snow chains to check their correct condition and their tying after a few kilometers of driving.

Attention! Several vehicles, large class and displacement, SUVs do not accept chains, so we should be informed in advance from the manufacturer's book located in your car.

3. Engine Cooling System

It is absolutely necessary the antifreeze for the proper operation of the engine, as well as the complete control of the system (condition of belts, piping, clamps, etc.).

The control of the heating / ventilation system is also necessary for the heating of the vehicle and the ventilation – unearthing of the windows.

4. Car battery

Due to the fact that she usually delivers her spirit unannounced on a cold morning, we do a check before the bad weather and freezing cold (we ask a crew to check the specific gravity of the electrolyte) so that it can fully respond to cold winter mornings.

If we have any doubt, we change the battery of our vehicle before it betrays us.

5. Wipers

We make sure that they clean properly without problem the windscreen of our car and even that in the liquid cleaning container there is an antifreeze.

6. Lights

Initially we check their correct adjustment in our vehicle.

If we travel to areas with fog, it is imperative to install refractive headlamps (fog) by a specialist, for comfort and safety.

It is very important, therefore, to know that because there are always dangerous and unexpected pitfalls, the chances of a road accident occurring during winter driving are increasing. That's why we always take the right precautions.

*(see Most Dangerous Times To Drive – Forbes).