Winter can be super challenging for drivers, especially those who travel long distances. It’s vital to be extra careful and ready for anything. This article will talk about the tricky things that happen when you drive in winter and give you some tips from us to help you handle these challenges better. Learn more about coping with challenges of winter driving in Scandinavia.
Proper tire center management software helps ensure vehicles have the right tires for safer winter driving.
Challenges That Drivers Face in the Winter Season
Poor Road Condition:
Ice forms on roads when it’s wet and freezing outside. The road may appear wet when a very thin layer of ice known as “black ice” appears. It happens at night or in the early morning when temperatures are at their lowest. It’s difficult as you risk missing it and having your car slide if you’re not focused.
If you drive onto black ice, try to stay calm. Keep your steering wheel straight and avoid hitting the brakes suddenly. If you brake too hard, your car could start sliding.
Ease off the gas pedal slowly and change to a lower gear if you can. Doing this might help you regain control while you steer where you want to go.
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Related: Nordic Necessities: Essential Car Maintenance for Scandinavian Winters
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Temperature Effect:
The temperature affects how safe it is to brake and drive on ice and snow. As it grows warmer it becomes more slippery.
It approximately takes more time to stop your automobile when the temperature rises from freezing (-18°C) to just above freezing (0°C). Winter driving offers a great chance to assess road conditions regularly. So, when driving in winter, it’s a good idea to check how the road feels sometimes. But remember, only do this when moving slowly.
Extreme Snowstorms:
When snow blows around your car and you can’t see well, it’s called a ‘whiteout.’ This makes it hard to see the road. Numerous automobiles colliding with one another is a serious risk in this situation.
Reduce your speed and keep a safe space behind the car in front of you when driving in a snowy area. Make use of the automobile as a navigational aid. It’s safest to slow down and wait for improved visibility if the storm is so miserable that you cannot see anything.
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Related: What to Know When Driving the Scandinavian Landscape
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Failing to Clean Windows:
It is more difficult to see clearly when driving in snow, ice, sleet, or freezing rain. You face the risk of collisions because you can’t see everything when you go if you don’t completely clear the snow and ice from your automobile.
Tire Pressure:
In cold weather, tires can lose air for a few reasons. First, the cold makes the air inside the tires shrink, so there’s less air in them. Also, water in the air can stick to the tires and make the pressure go down, creating a light turn-on in your car. Lastly, when it’s cold, the car’s engine works more to produce heat, which can also decrease tire pressure. Before driving, consider having your vehicle’s tires inspected by an expert using specialized tire store software.
Weather Effects on Vehicle Brakes:
Cold weather can harm your car by affecting the brakes! Low temperatures cause increased friction, making brakes hotter and less efficient. Brake fluid can thicken, leading to potential leaks, while road salt can corrode brake parts. Regular washing helps prevent salt buildup, ensuring safer driving in winter.
Tips to Overcome These Challenges
As winter gets closer and the weather gets colder, drivers deal with different difficulties while driving. To handle these challenges in a better way, there are some ways drivers can change how they move.
Speed Matters:
When there’s a winter storm, driving slowly is crucial, even though it might seem tempting to go fast. Remember, taking it slow and steady is essential when there’s ice and snow on the road.
Keep Up Maintenance:
Experts advise checking your car every 6 months or 8,000 km, whichever happens first. If you stick to this schedule all year round, your vehicle will perform great in any season.
Identifying Black Ice:
When driving in cold conditions, watch out for areas that seem darker than usual on the road, especially in low-lying spots, bridges, or underpasses lacking sunlight exposure. Temperatures below freezing usually create black ice overnight, making it crucial to stay vigilant.
Precautions for Safe Driving:
Ensure your tires are in top condition, particularly with winter tires, for better traction. Utilizing tire center management software can assist in keeping track of tire maintenance schedules and ensuring timely replacements.
While four-wheel drive adds safety, it maintains a reduced speed regardless. Avoid tailgating and allow other vehicles to pass safely, reducing the risk of accidents caused by speed disparities.
Get Roadside Help:
You can’t predict the weather, road, or other drivers during winter driving. But if you’re ready for surprises, you’ll feel more confident and calm whenever you drive in winter. Therefore, find the best repair services provider to help you.
Emergency Kit:
Ensure you’ve got an emergency kit ready in case you get stuck sooner rather than later.
- Pack non-perishable snacks (like cereal bars)
- Carry water in sturdy plastic bottles
- Include extra clothes and a blanket
- Equip with first aid, tools, and essentials
Brake Early in Snowy Conditions:
Leave plenty of space when you need to stop your car. Brake gently and start slowing down early, especially if the road is slippery. If you hit the brakes when slippery, your vehicle could start sliding, and that’s super dangerous for everyone on the road.
Challenges of Winter Driving in Scandinavia – Wrapping Up!
Prepare for winter driving hazards with caution and readiness! Equip your vehicle with winter tires, ensure proper visibility and lights, carefully navigate icy patches, handle snowy obstructions cautiously, and maintain your vehicle against cold weather strain. Stay vigilant, prioritize safety, and remain informed to combat the unique challenges winter driving presents.
Challenges of Winter Driving in Scandinavia, written dedicatedly for Daily Scandinavian by Emma Stone. Emma is a seasoned digital marketing expert and the senior content lead at Torque360. With years of honing strategies and crafting compelling narratives, she is all about sculpting brands’ stories into captivating digital tapestries. She thrives on weaving words that spark connections and ignite engagement, leveraging the power of content to fuel brand journeys. From brainstorming boardrooms to the click-happy realms of cyberspace, her passion for crafting impactful narratives propels brands to resonate in the bustling digital landscape. Armed with creativity and a knack for strategy, she navigates the ever-evolving digital sphere, shaping brands into vibrant, memorable entities.