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Preparing your vehicle for bad weather

Winter conditions

Planning ahead

The best time to service your vehicle is before winter. If servicing is not possible, you can carry out your own checks.

This should include:

  • Regularly checking the antifreeze concentration in the cooling system and topping it up to the appropriate winter level.

  • Checking the operation of wipers and the condition of the windshield, and refilling windshield washer fluid.

  • Checking all lights and immediately replacing any faulty bulbs.

  • Checking the battery and replacing it at the first sign of a problem.

  • Checking the brakes for proper function.

  • Inspecting tires for damage such as cracks, cuts, or bulges on the sidewalls. Any damage should be addressed immediately, as it can lead to slow air leaks or tire blowouts at higher speeds. The minimum tread depth should be 3 mm, and any tire with less than 2 mm tread should be replaced immediately. Never drive with underinflated tires – the idea that softer tires provide better grip is a myth.

It’s a good idea to assemble a winter emergency kit in case of a breakdown during the winter months

You’ll feel more at ease knowing you’re prepared for the worst if you equip your vehicle with the following items:

  • Ice scraper and de-icing spray

  • Strong flashlight with spare batteries

  • Reflective warning triangle

  • First aid kit

  • Warm clothing, boots, blankets, and/or a sleeping bag

  • Insurance and documents, including emergency contact numbers for reporting damage

  • Bottle of water and non-perishable food

  • Jumper cables

  • Snow shovel

  • Navigation system and maps

  • Fully charged mobile phone, charger, and power bank

When planning a trip in challenging conditions, make sure to:

  • Decide whether the trip can be postponed. If you are an employer, you must comply with legal obligations regarding employee safety. Consider the age and experience of your employees when making decisions about driving in potentially difficult weather conditions, especially if they will be driving alone.

  • Check the weather forecast and traffic reports before departure.

  • Allow extra travel time and stick to main roads where possible.

  • Ensure you have enough fuel. In severe weather, fewer gas stations may be open.

  • Always inform someone of your destination and expected arrival time.

  • Use gentle maneuvers, especially when braking.

  • Be cautious on all road surfaces, even if treated.

  • Remember that stopping distances are significantly longer in wet and icy conditions.

  • Always try to start in second gear and use higher gears, such as third or fourth, when driving downhill.

  • In case of skidding, press the clutch, steer in the direction of the skid, and avoid sudden braking.

  • Watch out for black ice, which can look like a wet patch on the road, and drive cautiously.

Driving is significantly different in the dark and, without proper safety measures, can be dangerous. At night, visibility is reduced, making it harder to spot signs and other road users, such as pedestrians and cyclists.

There are several things you can do to ensure your visibility is not compromised, including:

  • Check your lights to make sure all lights on your vehicle, inside and out, are functioning properly.

  • Drive at a lower speed than usual, as poor visibility means you may not see another road user or an obstacle until the last few seconds. Driving slower not only gives you more time to notice what is ahead but also more time to react.

  • Take regular breaks during nighttime driving, as there is a higher risk of falling asleep at the wheel. If night driving is unavoidable, ensure you take scheduled breaks, and if you feel tired, stop and find a safe place to rest.

Floods and storms

Ice and snow are not the only winter conditions you need to prepare for. Floods can cause significant damage to vehicles, so it is important to make plans in advance for when water levels start to rise.

Planning ahead

Floods are a particularly important issue for vehicle dealers and fleet owners, who are responsible for larger numbers of vehicles. When such businesses prepare for floods, they should consider:

  • Alternative locations: Arrange in advance a suitable safe place to move vehicles in the event of an approaching flood. Consider whether this location will remain flood-protected and how long vehicles can stay at this temporary safe site. Discuss these plans with your insurer.

  • Designated drivers: Ensure you have specific drivers assigned to move flood-exposed vehicles to the alternative location. Remember, disasters do not always occur during working hours, and you will need to ensure 24-hour coverage. Employers must also assess and control health and safety risks for their employees. Do not ask employees to do anything that could put them at risk.

  • Logistics: Assess how many vehicles you will need to move, how long it will take, and how many people will be required. If a large number of vehicles need to be moved, you may need to organize shuttle trips to ensure all vehicles are secured.

  • Access issues: Floods can cause road chaos and likely make access to your vehicles and premises difficult. It is therefore important to consider alternative routes in case your usual access is blocked.

  • Vehicle value: Ensure you move the most valuable vehicles first, and that access is not blocked by lower-value vehicles.

  • Keys and security: Your vehicle keys, access doors, and any security posts used should be stored in a suitable, easily accessible yet secure location to allow rapid action in the event of a flood. Plan where you will store keys after moving vehicles if the premises are flooded.

  • Re-entry: Make a plan for when it is safe to re-enter the site after a flood and whether additional precautions are required.

  • Check that all windows and doors are closed: If a storm with strong winds or hail occurs, it is important to keep all car windows and doors securely closed to avoid interior flooding or hail damage.

  • Hail protection: If possible, try to find a covered parking spot, such as a garage or covered lot, to avoid hail damage. If this is not possible, you can use special protective covers that can help reduce damage.

  • Driving during a storm or hail: If you must drive during a storm or hail, slow down and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you to avoid sudden braking maneuvers.

  • Avoid parking under trees in strong winds: Strong winds can cause branches to fall, potentially damaging your car. Therefore, try to avoid parking under large trees during storms and high winds.

  • Driving in strong winds: If you are on the road during strong winds, avoid bridges and open areas where the wind can be very strong. Drive carefully and maintain a low speed.

Responsible driving for a sustainable future

You too can contribute to reducing carbon dioxide emissions and protecting the environment through the way and frequency you use your vehicle.
By reducing unnecessary driving and optimizing vehicle usage—that is, by covering fewer kilometers—we can together help lower the carbon footprint.
Your responsible driving not only protects the environment but also reduces the likelihood of damage, enabling you to benefit from more favorable insurance conditions.
Thank you for your trust, and we look forward to building a more sustainable future together.

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