Ensure that the engine is warmed up continuously
Despite the habit of some motorists, it is not important to try to warm the engine by idling. Do not leave the engine running idle when removing ice and snow from your car. Once it's started, let it run for a few seconds, then start normally. Cold idle does not benefit the engine from lubrication, driving the engine extra warmer much faster. However, the cold engine should be calm and fluid especially in the cold. As long as the engine does not warm up, do not extricate it extremely. "Keep in mind that the cold engine has a much higher consumption and also suffers from higher wear of the individual components. Think about short-distance travel, which is so very uneconomical, "explains Vojtech Vacatko, Technical Support Team Leader of Arval CZ.
Even if it frosts, it can slide properly
Winter tires are mandatory between 1 November and 31 March, provided that there is a continuous layer of snow, ice or frost on the road, or it may be assumed during driving. This, of course, gives space to drivers who only occasionally drive out during the winter. They do not necessarily have to purchase a second set of tires if they are driving only under suitable conditions and for short distances. Significantly impaired road conditions do not necessarily bring frost, often only low temperatures combined with humid weather. Very slippery are tram tracks, pavements or pedestrian crossings and other horizontal markings. This is the reason why, regardless of snow and ice, it is good to have the winter tires changed at temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius. Similarly, drivers may get frost on road bridges, which tend to cool down at zero temperatures.
How to handle skidding?
Snow or ice on the road can bother both a holiday driver and a professional. In the winter, we should not be surprised by the rapid weather changes. The rain can suddenly change to ice, and road users do not always need to care for the road surface in good time. On slippery roads, you can easily get skidding in case of inattention or inappropriate speed. The general rule is to abruptly brake, to climb the clutch and to smoothly adjust the driving direction. "First of all, it is necessary to take into account the drive of the vehicle, because otherwise it is a car with a front-wheel drive and otherwise a rear-wheel drive, or 4x4. In general, however, it is advisable to brake rather than the curve, rather than in it, "explains Vojtěch Vacátko. "When it comes to skidding, it is advisable to take off the gas, not to brake or even to clutch the clutch. When skidding the rear axle, it is necessary to turn the steering wheel towards the rear of the car. For cars with automatic gearbox, we take gas, or we slow down slightly to help us with the electronic stability system, and correct driving direction, "he adds.
Do not forget to have regular maintenance
In particular, diesel car drivers may encounter a diesel fuel problem in the winter. If they are running fewer, they may have a certain proportion of summer diesel in the tank in December, which reduces its filterability in frost. It is therefore desirable to supply sufficient quantities of winter diesel. However, the problem with both diesel and petrol can be the presence of water in the fuel system or a long-lasting fuel filter. It is right to replace it before the winter. Remember also the wipers and check the condition of the rubber wiper blades. Repeated frosting and wiping them out with an ice scraper or the salt from the road make them work, so it's good to replace them before the winter. This prevents their failure at the least appropriate time.