Winter Driving

So far 2010 has proved to be quite a challenging year for the UK motorist. Freezing weather and snow covered roads have affected almost the entire country and so it is important that your Škoda is in tip top condition to help you through these difficult conditions.

Participating Škoda Retailers will be carrying out free winter health checks to help keep you motoring this winter. They will carry out a visual check on your Škoda’s battery, coolant, windscreen wipers and tyres – key components often affected by sub-zero temperatures.

Click here for a list of participating Retailers.

Whether it’s gently falling snow, lashing rain or icy roads, winter can bring testing conditions for drivers. But forewarned is forearmed, and there’s plenty you can do to make winter driving safer and easier, even in the nastiest weather. Here are a few pointers.

Driving tips

Stop!

It’s stating the obvious, but when the sleet is horizontal or the snow is falling so fast, don’t drive unless you really have to. Terrible weather is one of the few occasions when putting things off till tomorrow – or whenever conditions improve – really is the best advice.

And don’t just think about the weather. What’s your condition? Winter ailments can leave you exhausted and sluggish. If you don’t feel like you can drive safely, don’t risk it. After all, the alternative – putting your feet up by the fire with a cup of something hot – isn’t so bad, is it?

In the wet

Driving in heavy rain is difficult and can be treacherous, but only if you don’t heed a few simple precautions. For a start, slow down. The wetter the roads, the longer your breaking distance, and the heavier the rain, the worse your visibility. Either way, driving cautiously and leaving a good distance between you and the vehicle in front is the safest thing to do.

If there’s lots of surface water around, you could find the car losing grip, or aquaplaning. Don’t break or steer suddenly. Instead, take your foot off the accelerator and slow down gently.

In snow and ice

Much of the same advice applies if you find yourself driving through snow or ice. Slow down and leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front. Use your headlights if necessary. Break and accelerate gently.

But it’s not always easy to tell if you’re driving on ice. A good rule of thumb is that if your tyres are making less noise than usual, you may well be. If you do skid, don’t break – you’ll lock the wheels and lose control. Instead, depress the clutch and steer into the direction of the skid. When the car straightens, steer as normal.

Finally, don’t try and power up hills in icy or snowy conditions. Instead, get a little momentum going before you reach the hill, and let that carry you up. Reduce speed when you reach the top, and drive down as slowly as possible.

Emergency Stopping

You may have more need for a well-executed emergency stop in the slippery conditions of winter, so remember the rules. Apply the brake, without locking the wheels. If the vehicle starts to skid, ease pressure from the pedal and then reapply. Press the clutch in just before you stop.

Breaking down

On long winter journeys, prepare for the possibility of breaking down by dressing warmly and taking a flask of hot soup or tea, extra blankets and stout winter shoes. If you break down on the motorway, remember to park as far to the left on the hard shoulder as possible, and turn on your hazard warning lights. Get everyone out of the vehicle by the left hand doors and stay well away from the road.

Maintenance tips

Charge up

Batteries have to work particularly hard during freezing conditions. Cold temperatures reduce the power output, which combined with the additional strain from heated rear windscreens and cabin heaters on maximum, can spell the end for old or weak batteries. Make sure your battery is in good condition and fully charged.

Keep it cool

Did you know that your car’s cooling system has to work extra hard in cold temperatures? Don’t get hot under the collar – make sure your Škoda has the correct type and mix of antifreeze.

Tread carefully

Tyres are important whatever the weather, but more so on wet or freezing roads. Try the 20 pence tread test at three points across the width of your tyre. If you can see the rim of a 20 pence piece when inserted into your Škoda’s tyre tread, it’s probably time for a change.

Wash and wipe

Good visibility is essential year round, but during the short days and long winter nights it’s even more vital that your driving vision is unimpaired. Make sure your wiper blades are in good condition, that your wash wipe levels are adequate and that you have an effective solution of Škoda approved screen wash.*
* Your Škoda’s wash wipe system uses fan-jets for maximum efficiency and safety. It is essential that a Škoda approved additive is used to prevent blockages.

Car Care tips

Protect from the elements

No doubt your Škoda is one of your prized possessions. As this is the case you’ll want to protect both the inside and the outside from the harsh elements. A set of mud flaps can help keep the dirt and grit deposited on the road at bay and rubber floor mats and boot liners are perfect for protecting the carpet from snow covered boots.

Stay frost free

With freezing weather comes the daily battle with icy windscreens, frozen wash wipe reservoirs and, for older vehicles, frozen locks. The addition of Škoda approved screen wash, windscreen de-icer and lock de-icer to your essential car care equipment will help make de-frosting a breeze this winter.

4 x 4 tips

4x4 systems help you get going but it does not help you stop. Don’t get complacent. 4x4 vehicles are normally much heavier than a typical car and therefore take longer to stop.
When roads are slick, slow down. Anticipate problems in plenty of time so you can brake under control. Some vehicles are fitted with a facility called hill descent, which can help when manoeuvring downhill in poor conditions
Don’t forget most 4x4 vehicles in the UK are fitted with standard road tyres which are not suitable for extreme weather conditions.