When winter first hits, the resulting chaos on roads and motorways can be a tough challenge, particularly for commuters. Weather forecasters predict that the present winter weather is likely to stay for a while. All the more reason, then, for drivers to prepare as well as possible for the difficult traffic conditions that lie ahead. And as the traffic experts from TÜV SÜD know, preparation for spending hours in the car is the most important of all.
Think before you drive: It is generally true to say that cars are definitely not the transport of choice on snow and ice. If you have the option of taking the train or staying at home, do it. If driving is unavoidable, TÜV SÜD expert Philip Puls recommends heeding the following advice before setting off: "Drivers should definitely make more time for their journeys." To be on the safe side, a tow-rope, jump leads, warm blankets, a hand broom, an ice scraper, snow chains and of course a high-visibility vest should be in every car. And talking about high-visibility vests, "If the car breaks down, drivers must leave the car and warn other road users of the obstruction by switching on their hazard warning lights and setting up their warning triangles", advises Puls. "Staying in the car is extremely dangerous under these circumstances", warns the road expert.
Not only because of the new regulations concerning winter tyres, Puls believes "it would be sheer madness to drive in the kind of bad weather we are currently having." If driving is absolutely essential, car owners should ensure their fuel tank is full before setting out. "When the stress of winter traffic is compounded by the fear of running out of petrol in the middle of a motorway traffic jam, drivers place themselves under a lot of strain."
Be prepared for long traffic jams: Most commuters in particular tend to set out for work in the clothes they wear to the office – a suit, light shoes and perhaps a jacket. After all, who thinks of spending hours on the road when that cosy office is only a few miles away? But this is a mistake. "On days when chaos rules the roads, even a 30-kilometre journey can turn into hours of torture", warns Puls. Check the weather forecast and make the appropriate preparations: "A warm jacket, sweater and perhaps a flask of hot tea are certainly a good idea." Puls also recommends warm winter shoes for the car: "Particularly if the car breaks down and the driver has to get out, sturdy winter shoes are no mere luxury, but are essential."
Exercise moderation: Generally, motorists who have got stuck try first of all to get their cars moving again on their own, as can be witnessed time and again in excessive revving and spinning tyres. However, this only makes matters worse. It is better to increase the load on the driving axle and accelerate carefully – preferably using second gear. Observe basic safety principles in attempts to free the car, too; ensure the car is visible by switching on the hazard lights.
Rock to get rolling: Where patience and stress are fruitless, motorists can resort to a combination of the two: rocking the car to and fro. To do so, drivers must get their cars swinging by alternately pressing the gas pedal and releasing the clutch at regular intervals. The rocking distance must then be gradually extended and the rocking momentum used to get the car over the obstacle. Motorists driving a car with automatic transmission must alternate carefully between the R and D position of the gear lever.
Get a grip: A helpful hint when trying to get your car unstuck is to place a door mat or special grid under the wheel of the driving axle to ensure the necessary grip and traction. But note that people in the vicinity of the car must keep their distance. Items placed under wheels may turn into missiles.
Digging out: Shovel, snow chains and lamps are all helpful assistants in releasing a car from the grip of the snow. Blankets and hot drinks prove invaluable when motorists have to wait for help. TÜV SÜD's tip: when shovelling snow take care to clear the snow both in front of and behind the wheels on the driving axle, and make sure that both the axle and the underbody are free. Clearing the snow from the wheels is futile if the car itself is actually sitting on a mound of snow.
Chaining up: A set of snow chains or snow socks is a useful companion. To escape from a snow drift, snow socks are sufficient, and, in fact, in most countries their use is limited to traction assistance. Motorists driving in snowy regions should always take along snow chains. They are needed whenever the use of snow chains is signposted as mandatory.
Spraying: In TÜV SÜD's experience, spray-on "snow chains" and other coatings to improve grip and traction do not live up to their promises.
Towing: If the car has become damaged after skidding and has to be towed, use a rod instead of a rope on icy roads to prevent keeping your distance from the car in front turning into a gamble. TÜV SÜD's experts therefore advise drivers always to keep a tow-rod in their boot during winter.
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