Safe driving in winter. We must remember this!

The calendar winter is still ahead, but the weather conditions are already similar to winter ones. Therefore, winter tires, an ice scraper or a snow brush are mandatory items that should be included in the vehicle equipment in the current weather. More and more frequent negative temperatures and the first snowfall are the last bell in preparing the car for the coming winter. We advise what to look for.

Safe driving in winter. Time for winter tires

The current weather leaves no doubt that you should change your tires to winter tires as soon as possible. Therefore, if there are drivers who have not yet done so, they should not delay any longer. Summer tires can harden at lower temperatures and will perform much worse on icy or snowy surfaces. Postponing tire changes to the last minute can also lead to queues at tire shops or higher tire prices.

If winter tires last another season, pay attention to their condition and tread depth. In winter, they have to cope with low temperatures, ice, snow and slush, so it is worth making sure that the tread depth is at least 4 mm. As the tire ages, the rubber also becomes more susceptible to damage, so it will not perform its function, which can lead to poor traction and the risk of skidding and losing control of the car, says Adam Bernard, Director of Renault. School of safe driving.

Safe driving in winter. Clear your car of snow!

More than one driver was surprised by the first snowfall. A car snow brush and glass scraper are small expenses, but it's worth having them handy in the car right now, especially when using open parking lots. Do not forget to remove the rest of the snow from the entire body of the car, first from the roof, then from the windows, not forgetting the mirrors and headlights, and clean the license plates.

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If there is ice under the snow, it is recommended to use a special de-icing agent to get rid of some of the ice later. De-icing fluid is also useful when car wipers freeze to the windshield and to defrost locks. Remember to carry this product with you and not in the glove compartment of your car, otherwise we will not be able to use this product when we need it most.

Safe driving in winter. Use winter washer fluid

If drivers have not yet taken care of replacing the windshield washer fluid with a winter one, then now is the time to do it. When temperatures drop below freezing permanently, we may have freezing problems. Therefore, when choosing a new liquid for the winter, pay attention to the information on its crystallization temperature on the package. The later the liquid freezes, the better it will work in the frosty aura. Summer windshield washer fluid can be replaced with winter washer fluid, topping it up as the fluid is used up.

Safe driving in winter. Don't forget to change the coolant

When the temperature drops below zero, it is worth making sure that the radiator fluid we use is not older than two years. It is during this period that it retains its optimal properties. After this time, it should be replaced, making sure that the new fluid is adapted to use in winter conditions.

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