Prepared on the Road in Winter Road Conditions

Winter road conditions can become a challenge. Even with the right equipment, one can encounter difficulties. The most common mistakes when driving in precarious conditions are not adapting speed and insufficient distance to the vehicle ahead. Today's cars are significantly heavier than before and behave sluggishly with lower traction. The braking distance can multiply in snow, ice, and slush. Moreover, the vehicle should absolutely be 'winter-ready'.

Winter Check

In winter, driving often occurs in the dark, making it even more important than usual for all headlights and lamps to function perfectly. This ensures not only better visibility but also that you are seen by others. To check the lighting system, drive one to two meters in front of a bright wall or a garage door. Test the side lights first and then the dipped headlights; reversing against the wall helps quickly identify any rear lighting malfunction. In poor visibility or tunnels, daytime running lights are insufficient as they do not activate taillights, so switching to dipped headlights is essential.

The battery is a common weakness in winter. 12-volt batteries generally last about five years. However, in winter, they are heavily used due to the cold and additional devices such as seat, steering wheel, and windshield heaters. Battery failures are common during this time, as shown by TCS patrol statistics. Failures can be avoided if the battery condition is checked and replaced before the severe cold sets in if necessary. If the exact age of your battery is unknown, have it checked by a specialist.

Operating fluids like oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid must be regularly checked and frostproof. Wiper blades should also be checked from time to time and replaced if necessary.

For operational safety, winter tires with sufficient tread are crucial. TCS recommends at least four millimeters of tread depth. Winter tires are important not only on snow but also in low temperatures or on slippery roads. Their rubber composition and tread pattern distinguish them from summer tires, thus providing more safety. On snow, the braking distance with summer tires can double.

Winter Tires for Bicycles

For the hardy who ride their bicycles all winter, winter tires are also advisable. Like car tires, winter tires have stronger treads and softer rubber mixtures for measurably better traction on slippery surfaces.

Spiked tires work very well on snow and ice but are unsuitable for asphalt. There are tires that can be put on as a second 'winter-skin.' For those who find changing tires on snowy mornings too much, a second front wheel with a fixed spiked tire is recommended. In mountain villages without 'black-clearing,' choosing spiked tires is always right. Whether with winter tires or spikes, braking distance is reduced and grip increased, significantly diminishing the risk of accidents.

Winter Accessories for Good Visibility

Besides mandatory safety vests and a warning triangle, an ice scraper, snow brush, de-icer, gloves, and jumper cables are advisable. Rubber mats are also practical to catch slush from shoes. If the vehicle is parked outside, a cover on the windshield often saves the hassle of scraping ice in the morning.

Otherwise, the windshield up to the front camera, at least the front side windows, lights, and mirrors, must always be cleared of snow and ice. If a display shows that a specific assistance system isn't functioning due to impaired sensor visibility, you may still proceed. Just be aware the vehicle will function like an older model without the assistants. Mechanical force from ice scrapers on a radar sensor or the reversing camera should be avoided.

On steep snowy or partly-iced mountain roads, snow chains remain the safest method, even with modern tires. Before encountering difficulties in mountains and snow, have dry-run snow chains on in the garage first.

Special Tips for Electric Vehicles

For electric vehicles, it's recommended to warm up the vehicle before driving while it's still connected to the charging station. This also helps defrost the windows. Snow on the roof, hood, and lights must still be removed with a snow brush. Cold reduces the range of electric vehicles as some energy is used for heating. To optimize, use seat and steering wheel heaters; they consume less energy than cabin heating. Use integrated route planning for charging stops while on the road, allowing the battery to reach optimal temperature for quick charging during approach. If preconditioning isn't available, plan for additional time as charging stops extend for the warming period.

Targeted Winter Driving Training

In a driving training course, participants experience the influence of speed on braking distance and how to react correctly in critical situations. Besides the 15 year-round training centers in Switzerland, TCS operates two winter driving centers in the mountains: in Zernez, Grisons, and in Bourg-St-Pierre, Valais. From late December through February, special driving training on snow is available, providing a valuable opportunity to gain safety on slippery surfaces like snow and ice.

Press Contact:
Vanessa Flack
Spokesperson TCS
Tel. 058 827 34 41
vanessa.flack@tcs.ch
pressetcs.ch
flickr.com

Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: Touring Club Schweiz/Suisse/Svizzero - TCS