Weather conditions for winter sports can be extreme and demand even more from your vehicle. That is why you should check some things before you leave.
Have the following checked:
- Brake condition. They must work twice as hard to ensure braking on a slippery road.
- Headlamps. Essential for your safety, they ensure good visibility on the road and make you visible to other motorists. Consider aligning the lenses and bulbs, double-checking indicators and parking lights. Along the way, stock up on replacement bulbs.
- The battery. A reliable battery is essential; it can lose up to 30% of its power in cold weather.
- Windscreen wiper blades. Are they worn or cracked? Replace them.
- The windscreen. Check to make sure there are no chips or cracks. A slight shock could severely damage your windscreen as you travel.
- Windscreen washer fluid. Fill it up with winter windscreen washer fluid, available in our Aral service stations.
- Tyre pressure. Adequate tyre pressure gives you better grip and saves fuel.
- Climate control. A defective unit could ruin your trip.
- Cold-weather coolant. If the engine freezes, do not start your car.
Be prepared for frozen locks
In glacial temperatures, your car’s locks may freeze. Do not use a lighter to heat your key! That could damage the key as well as the lock mechanism. Try a key de-icer, found in our Aral service stations. They contain forms of alcohol that de-ice the door lock in just a few minutes. They also keep the lock from re-freezing and contain special lubricants to protect against corrosion.
Travel in comfort
Going skiing means having a full boot. Try a roof box or roof bars to transport your equipment. Make sure it’s securely attached to your vehicle. You will be less crowded and safer, as flying objects in the vehicle are a real danger in the event of an accident.
Plan your route
Take the time to study your itinerary and check traffic and weather information sites. Mountain passes can occasionally be closed to traffic, are there any closed passes on your route? Don’t forget sunglasses (for glare on wet ground or snow), some refreshments, a great playlist and creativity for inventing fun games to share with family or friends.
Other practical tools
- Pocket torch
- Cables for recharging the battery
- Small first aid kit
- Puncture repair can
- Tarp to cover your windscreen to keep frost from developing on your windows. It will also make it easier to remove snow before you leave.
- A small shovel to clear around your car in the event of snow
- A scraper
- Blankets, rugs, neck cushions
Mandatory vehicle equipment checklist:
- Safety vest: must be yellow, red or orange with a light reflector. You won’t be alone? Think about taking several of them.
- Triangle: to be displayed 50 meters from the car in the event of a breakdown. At 100 meters on rural roads and 150 meters on the motorway.
- Winter tyres: provide better grip and effective braking on snowy or icy pavement.
- Essential and mandatory at certain altitude levels, chains will be your ally in the event of persistent snow cover. Hurry up and rent them now, as supplies are limited. Consider trying to install them before your departure, a short training session is a good idea.
- Vehicle documents! Make sure they are all in order. It would be a shame to leave with expired motor insurance.