Staying Safe on Winter Roads

Whether you’re commuting to work, popping out to the shops, or visiting family, driving in winter can be a real challenge. Slippery roads, heavy snowfall, and poor visibility demand extra attention and caution. Peter Schnitzler, a motor expert at ERGO, shares his advice on how to significantly re-duce these risks.

Check Your Car

First and foremost, make sure to check your winter tyres, paying close attention to tread depth and tyre pressure—good grip on icy or snowy roads is essential. “It’s also important to regularly check fluid levels, brakes, lights, and windscreen wipers,” says ERGO’s motor expert, Peter Schnitzler. Headlights should be checked and correctly adjusted. If you know you’ll be driving in particularly wintry conditions, it’s a good idea to pack snow chains. A fully charged power bank can help you stay connected and call for help if needed. And last but not least, keep a set of jump leads in the car in case your battery gives up the ghost.

Pay Extra Attention to the Battery in Electric Cars

Batteries are an especially important consideration for electric vehicles. In winter, many electric cars have a reduced range because the battery delivers less energy and systems like the heater use more power. “Driving smoothly at a moderate speed and using the heater sparingly can help reduce energy consumption,” Schnitzler advises. Careful planning of your route and charging stops will make for a more relaxed journey.

Clear Visibility While Driving

To see clearly, make sure all your windows are thoroughly cleaned. And no, a small peephole scraped on the driver’s side isn’t nearly enough if your windscreen is iced over. Mirrors and head-lights should also be clean and free from snow and ice. De-icer spray and a sturdy ice scraper make the job much easier. Don’t forget: “Clean the inside of the windows as well,” Schnitzler rec-ommends. Use screenwash with antifreeze to prevent it from freezing, and consider an anti-fog treatment for the interior to reduce condensation. If it’s snowing heavily while you’re driving, it’s wise to stop occasionally and clear the snow off the car.

Driving in Snow and Ice

If the road is icy or covered in snow, extra caution is needed. Slow down and allow for longer brak-ing distances. “If you’re driving an electric car, use the winter or eco mode—this will make the car accelerate more gently,” says Schnitzler. Tip: Set the regenerative braking (which recovers energy when braking) to low, otherwise the car can skid more easily on slippery surfaces. For vehicles with conventional engines, it’s best to pull away in a high gear and at low revs. Always brake gently and anticipate what’s ahead to keep the car stable. “Electronic aids like ABS and ESP help maintain stability, but steering and braking should still be done with care,” adds Schnitzler. If the car starts to skid, come off the accelerator, disengage the clutch (or set to neutral in an automatic), brake gently, and steer into the skid. Avoid unnecessary overtaking and lane changes—allow extra time for your journey instead. And if conditions are particularly bad, it’s often safest just to leave the car at home.