10 tips for a winter safe car

The winter season places special demands on drivers and vehicles. In addition to the speed adapted to the road conditions, the right preparation is crucial. The practical tips of the TCS help to drive safely through the cold season

1. Mount winter tires in timeThe rubber compound of summer tires becomes hard and inelastic at cool temperatures, and the tread is not suitable for winter use. The braking distance on snow is twice as long with summer tires as with winter tires. The TCS recommends switching to winter tires in good time.
2. Stow winter luggage safely: Luggage should always be well secured and loaded into the trunk up to the upper edge of the rear seat backrest at the most. Inadequately secured items can turn into dangerous projectiles in the event of a collision. In addition, rigid and heavy items, such as ski boots or shell cases, should be stowed and secured in the trunk or footwell. Snowboards, ski poles and skis can also be stored in a roof box. However, it should be noted that roof boxes can affect the handling of a vehicle. With this in mind, both the total weight of the vehicle and the maximum roof load and height should always be taken into account.
3. Ice free windows: Lights, reflectors, windows and rear-view mirrors must be kept clean in accordance with the Traffic Regulation Ordinance. The TCS recommends using a sturdy ice scraper with plastic edges and a snow broom to clear the car of ice and snow. Those who do not comply and drive off with a "peephole" endanger themselves and other road users and risk a fine and a suspension of their driving license. Frost protection tarpaulins are also functional and practical, saving a lot of time in the morning before work, for example.
4. Operating fluids: Oil level, cooling water and other service fluids should be checked regularly and be frost-proof.
5. Battery: Starter batteries usually have a service life of more than five years, but are exposed to additional stress due to the winter cold. If you do not know the exact age of your battery, you should have this checked by a specialist
6. Lighting: The lighting units should be checked regularly for functionality, for example by a short walk around the car with the parking lights and dipped headlights on.
7. Door rubber/gasket: Frozen doors and door elements - such as locks - can be treated with commercially available agents
8. Windshield washer system and wiper bladesClear vision is, of course, also essential in winter. Therefore, switch to winterized windshield washer fluid early on, check wiper blades and replace if necessary.
9. Check winter accessories: In addition to the obligatory breakdown triangle, it is advisable to carry an ice scraper, de-icer spray, gloves and a snow broom. At higher altitudes, snow chains are recommended and sometimes even required.
10. Protection from permanent moisture: To protect the interior of the car from constant moisture and snow, it is recommended to buy rubber mats.

Anyone who wants to make sure that their vehicle is well equipped for the winter can also have a winter check carried out at one of the TCS's 19 technical centers. With the harmonized winter test, all important elements are checked for their winter suitability. Wheels, tires suspension, steering, engine, cooling system, windshield wipers, ventilation, battery, lighting and the electrical system are comprehensively tested.