According to data from the General Directorate of Traffic, around 30% of fatalities and hospitalized injuries occur in winter. For this reason, it is even more important to follow certain recommendations before and during your trips.
Before leaving…
Check the levels of all your vehicle's fluids: oil, brake fluid, and antifreeze.
Before any trip, it's important to ensure the correct levels of oil, brake fluid, and antifreeze or coolant . The latter becomes even more important when faced with low winter temperatures, due to its role in the engine's internal circuit. Antifreeze maintains the engine's optimal operating temperature of around 90°C.
On the other hand, it prevents freezing of any part of the circuit when temperatures reach below zero, which would lead to poor engine cooling and serious mechanical problems. Checking the antifreeze level is very simple. Once the vehicle is parked on a level surface, simply open the hood, locate the coolant reservoir (green, blue, yellow, or orange, depending on its properties), and check that its level is between the maximum and minimum limits. However, for your safety, we must perform this operation with a cold engine.
Replace regular tires with winter tires
These tires offer increased grip, so they are specially designed for use in low temperatures or when encountering snow, mud, or ice on the road. They minimize the risk of skidding off the track and significantly improve braking , which translates into a shorter stopping distance.
These advantages are achieved thanks to a deeper tread pattern, which aims to improve water and snow evacuation, and small sipes in the lugs, which significantly improve grip and traction in both snow and mud. Also, thanks to their special chemical composition, which maintains the rubber's flexibility at low temperatures, improving grip and traction. To identify a winter tire, you should look at the side of the tire, where the M+S (Mud and Snow) symbol will appear, along with a pictogram consisting of a three-peaked mountain and a snowflake inside.
If you already have winter tires installed, also check that they are in perfect condition: no cuts or cracks, and that the tread is no less than 1.6 millimeters. Once you've checked these, make sure the tire pressure is also correct (the car manufacturer will indicate the correct level on the sticker on the door frame).
Don't forget the chains
Although they don't have to be permanently installed, it's important to keep them in the trunk in case of a sudden snowfall. Both traditional and fabric ones are quite effective, but make sure you know how to install them correctly . It's best to learn how to install them in good weather and with patience, rather than waiting to be surprised by a situation where they're essential. Installing them is simple, but it's best to practice.
Take care of your visibility
The importance of vision at this time of year is even more important than in other situations with more favorable weather. Daylight hours are significantly reduced, and driving in fog is not unusual. Therefore, it's important to check the condition of all your vehicle's lights, including the fog lights , before each trip. You should also ensure the cleanliness and condition of other elements that influence your visibility: headlights, windows, windshield wiper system, and mirrors.
Check your equipment
As we've seen, winter is the time of year with the highest number of traffic accidents and breakdowns. Therefore, it's extremely important to have on hand, in addition to the mandatory reflective vest and triangles, a V16 warning light like Help Flash . This warning light is not only approved according to DGT specifications but is also especially recommended for situations where adverse weather conditions pose a risk to the driver while signaling a traffic incident. Its all-weather design allows the stopped vehicle to be seen from up to a kilometer away.
In these types of situations, it may be helpful to have other auxiliary items, such as a blanket, a flashlight, a cell phone charger, a small basic first aid kit, or even some tweezers that will help in case your battery runs out due to low temperatures. This will give you an advantage when you set off, and you'll be prepared for any scenario.
Already on the road…
Increase the safety distance
It will guarantee you plenty of room to maneuver in the event of those dreaded slides caused by snow, rain, or ice.
Slow down
In winter, tires tend to lose traction, especially when the road is wet, so it's important to drive at a slower speed than normal. Avoid sudden acceleration, high gears, and keeping the brakes at bay, using them as little as possible.
Avoid overtaking
In adverse weather conditions, overtaking improperly can cause fatal accidents.
Maintain a stable temperature inside the vehicle
If outside temperatures are low, maintaining a temperature of approximately 21ºC will prevent the windows from fogging up, which will hinder your visibility.
Make more stops
Especially on long trips, it will help reduce fatigue, releasing tension and allowing you to stretch your muscles.
