Winter holidays 2016. How to prepare for a trip by car?
Apart from the summer holidays, the holidays are the second most anticipated holiday period of the year, during which many families go on winter trips, most often by car. When planning such a trip, you should follow a few important rules, because driving a car in winter conditions requires special attention and skills.
Desired place of stay booked, itinerary planned - these are not the only mandatory items that should be on the organizing list of your dream vacation.
We won't get far with a broken car
A few days before departure, it is worth finding time for your car and carefully inspecting it, especially since we may encounter changes in road and weather conditions along the route. “We must remember that a serviceable car is a guarantee of our safety and comfort during the journey. To be sure that the technical inspection will be carried out reliably, it is worth servicing the car in a reliable, recommended service,” emphasizes Tomasz Drzewiecki, Premio Retail Sales Development Director in Poland, Ukraine, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
First of all, you should take care of the right choice of tires. Indeed, more than 90% of Polish drivers say they change tires for winter, but still there are many daredevils who choose summer tires for long trips, posing a threat to themselves and other road users. If the car is equipped with winter tires, check their condition, tread level (wear below the permissible limit of 4 mm gives the right to change tires) and tire pressure, the value of which must be adapted to the vehicle's load.
The battery is also a very important element of the car, which must be checked. If its performance is in doubt, you should think about replacing it before leaving, because in the case of low temperatures, a faulty battery can effectively immobilize the car and prevent further movement. Also, don't forget to top up any missing fluids (oil, winter washer fluid) and take their spare packs in the trunk.
The vehicle inspection should also include checking the condition of the wipers and lights. The list of necessary things for packing should include: spare bulbs, a fire extinguisher with a current inspection, fuses, basic tools and a working spare wheel, a triangle, maps and, of course, important documents for the car,” advises Leszek Archacki from the Premio Falco service in Olsztyn . “On long winter trips, I also take a shovel or a folding shovel, a flashlight with a working battery, jump ropes, a windshield frost protection mat, glass defroster, an ice scraper and a snow blower,” Archaki adds.
There should also be a first aid kit in the car, complete with: hydrogen peroxide, band-aids, an insulating emergency blanket, gloves, a triangular scarf, sterile gas, small scissors, painkillers or medications we take. In addition, drivers planning trips on mountain routes should not forget to take snow chains with them. People who have not had experience with them should practice installing them at home or seek help from a qualified mechanic. This will help to avoid unnecessary nerves on the route. It should be remembered that in Poland chains can only be installed where it is prescribed.
are road signs.
Fifth wheel on a cart - extra baggage
For many drivers preparing for a family trip, packing luggage becomes a real horror. In order to avoid overloading the car, especially the shelves behind the rear seat, it is worth checking an infinite number of items in advance and taking only those that you really need. Objects placed in different places of the car can significantly impair visibility on the route, and in the event of an accident, cause damage to passengers. When packing luggage, it is worth remembering the basic rule - things that are packed at the end, we take out first. Therefore, you should make sure that you have easy access to items that you may need during your trip. Be sure to bring enough food, drinks, diapers, medicines and entertainment for the kids, as well as other travel essentials. If we need to take larger items with us, such as skis, they should be placed on the roof rack, properly secured, of course.
Focused like a driver
Going on a winter vacation, drivers should also take care of themselves and, first of all, have a good rest before the route. If possible, start your trip during hours when your body is used to being active, and ideally before rush hour starts. You should also remember to adapt your driving style to the vehicle's load, because a packed car has poorer handling and longer stopping distances. When traveling with your family, keep your eyes on the road, especially when there are children in the back seat. At a speed of 100 km/h, a car travels about 30 meters per second, turning to face children for three seconds can have very serious consequences. Always pay attention to other road users and keep a safe distance while driving, especially on slippery and snowy roads. For travel, it is also better to choose routes that are visited more often, then we will have more guarantees that they are not covered with snow and are well prepared for traffic. While traveling, it is also worth checking the traffic reports broadcast by the media. With good preparation, care and thought, traveling by car can be an enjoyable experience and a great way to get to your favorite winter destinations.
“Driving a car in winter is burdensome for the driver, as difficult road conditions (snowy, icy road) and precipitation (snow, freezing rain) require a lot of effort and concentration. This leads to the fact that drivers get tired faster, so take breaks more often. An overheated car interior can also be tiring for the driver, which can further increase drowsiness, so you should remember to ventilate the vehicle when stopping. All traveling drivers must adjust the speed of the vehicle not only according to road conditions, but above all according to their own well-being,” advises traffic psychologist Dr. Jadwiga Bonk.
