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Winter Driving Tips
We thought we'd take a moment to give you a few tips on staying safe and keeping your ŠKODA running smoothly during wintry weather.
At times like this you'll appreciate how important ŠKODA assistance is for you and your family. And as your ŠKODA is less than three years old you have complimentary breakdown cover. However if you own another ŠKODA which is over three years old have you renewed your breakdown cover? To renew your cover please contact ŠKODA Assistance on 0800 096 1174.
Before starting your journey
- Only use your car if you absolutely have to.
- Plan your journey. Check the RAC Route Planner or consult an up-to-date roadmap.
- Tell friends or family where you're going, which route you're taking and when you expect to arrive.
- Bring a fully-charged mobile phone with you.
- Bring a key de-icer to unfreeze any frozen locks.
- It's worth keeping the following items in your car, just in case you break down: a torch, a blanket, an ice- scraper, suitable shoes or boots and a de-icer of some sort. A flask of hot drink might also come in handy on longer journeys.
Getting ready
- Never set off if you haven't completely de-iced your windscreen and lights. Driving with just a small hole cut in the ice isn't just dangerous - it's illegal.
- Never use hot water to clear your windows. The sudden change in temperature might crack the glass.
- Make sure you have enough fuel for your journey, bearing in mind that you may get stuck in traffic in wintry weather.
Basics check: the battery
- Your battery's connections should be tight and corrosion-free. If they aren't, the battery may need replacing.
- The battery will have an inspection window on the top.
- Green: your battery is working properly.
- Black: your battery needs charging.
- Clear/yellow: your battery needs replacing.
- If you're not sure about your battery's condition get it professionally checked at your local ŠKODA Retailer.
Basic checks: the tyres
- Check the pressure of all your tyres, including the spare. You can usually find the correct specification in one or more of the following locations:
- On a sticker on the driver's door pillar
- On the inner side of the fuel flap in the owner's handbook.
- Again, if you are unsure please contact your local ŠKODA retailer. Alternatively, you could call the ŠKODA Roadside Assistance number for advice.
- Check the tread depth of your tyres. The legal minimum for cars is 1.6mm, but deeper tread depth will give you better grip in the snow. There will also be tread limit markers in the grooves of each tyre. If these markers are flush with the tread, you'll need to replace the tyre.
Basic checks: the screen wash system
- It's crucial that you use the correct screen wash additive, especially in colder weather. This will help reduce the effects of freezing. Check the instructions on the bottle for concentration levels against predicted temperatures. We recommend you purchase a ŠKODA solution to ensure it’s suitable for your car. Please contact your local ŠKODA retailer for further details.
- You can also buy a premix screen wash solution that has already been diluted correctly. If you choose this option make sure you always top up with the premix solution - do not dilute it with water as this will reduce its effectiveness.
- Remember: the washer system can still freeze, even if you have heated washer jets.
Basic checks: the windscreen wipers
- Check your front and rear wiper blades for any signs of wear or splitting.
- Do not use your wipers to clear snow or ice from the windscreen. They may be frozen to the glass. If they are, operating them might blow the fuse. Carefully free the blades using de-icer and gently lift them off the screen.
- If you do blow the wipers' fuse, you can usually find its location by checking your owner's handbook or the sticker attached to the fuse box's inner cover. If you aren't sure, seek professional advice.
Basic checks: the cooling system
- Anti-freeze should be added to your vehicle's cooling system according to the manufacturer's specification.
- If the cooling system warning light is illuminated, switch off the engine immediately. Allow sufficient time for the engine to cool. Once the engine has reached a safe temperature check how much coolant there is in the reservoir. If it's below the minimum level you'll need to top it up. Always do so with the correct anti-freeze solution as per manufacturing specification. Never top up with just water - this will reduce the system's effectiveness. More detailed information can be found in the owner's manual.
- Again, if you are unsure please contact your local ŠKODA retailer. Alternatively, you could call the ŠKODA Roadside Assistance number for advice.
On the road
- A dip in your concentration levels can have disastrous consequences. Keep your car well ventilated and take regular breaks to prevent drowsiness.
- Keep an eye open for gritting lorries and snowploughs.
- Pedestrians may also be walking on the road to avoid slippery conditions on the pavement, so adjust your speed accordingly. Increase your distance from the vehicle in front when driving on snow or ice-covered roads.
ABS and ESP
- When driving in slippery conditions it's not unusual for the ESP and ABS systems to activate to help you control the vehicle. The ESP/ABS light will flash on your dashboard to let you know.
- Even with ESP/ABS, stopping distances may not be reduced when braking on ice or snow, so maintaining an increased distance from the vehicle in front is still paramount.
When ABS is activating it will produce a pulsing sensation through the braking pedal. Don't worry; this is completely normal. It may also be accompanied by a slight buzzing noise. The ABS light will not illuminate while this is happening.
We hope this advice helps you stay safe in the snow and ice.
Here's to safer, happier driving.
The ŠKODA Assistance Team
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