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The 10 most common mistakes drivers make in winter

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Recently updated on April 14, 2021 at 01:24 am

The 10 most common mistakes drivers make in winter

In winter, when it is cold and, in the worst case, the roads are icy, many motorists do the same Error. These errors mostly arise from ignorance and mean less safety for the driver and often avoidable costs. Because while frost, snow and limited visibility make driving difficult, it is not easy for the car at this time of year either. On the one hand, the cold sets that Motor and the battery too. On the other hand, salt and ice attack the body. Although it is no fun to be on the wintry roads, you can make the journey a lot easier - with the right behavior.

1. Drive in winter without winter tires

The 10 most common mistakes drivers make in winter

According to the road traffic regulations, one applies in Germany situational winter tire duty. This means that as soon as there is snow or the road is icy, the winter wheels must be fitted. They are easy to spot as they are one Alpine symbol or M + S marking exhibit. Unlike summer tires, winter tires consist of one softer rubber compound. This means they offer more traction. The driving behavior of the car is therefore safer. The drive without winter tires or all-season tires means at least 60 Euros and eone point in Flensburg. However, he also has to Vehicle owner expect a fine if this is not the driver. This fine amounts to 75 Euros more one point in Flensburg.

Note: For winter tires to serve their purpose, the tread must at least be sufficient his. Ideally, it should at least four millimeters be. Although only required by law 1,6 millimeters, however, the driving characteristics deteriorate significantly as soon as the tread depth less than four millimeters having.

2. Do not check the radiator antifreeze in time

If the vehicle has too little Antifreeze, then the cooling water can freeze and thus destroy the cooling system. That is why adequate radiator frost protection is particularly important in winter. Starting the car with frozen cooling water can also cause Damage to the engine, water pump or Timing belts arise. So it's important already before the onset of winter to check whether there is sufficient frost protection. The check is carried out via the Cooling water spindle. If it does not show at least minus 20 degrees, the cooling water must be supplemented with appropriate frost protection.

The 10 most common mistakes drivers make in winter

Note: The cooling water has to be checked again and again, not just in winter. Because it protects against deposits, corrosion and premature boiling of the cooling water. It is best to check the cooling water monthly and the frost protection every six months.

3. The car battery is neglected

In the cold, she loses car battery a large part of their performance. And while the battery has less power, additional power is required from the engine when starting. The cold therefore puts an enormous strain on the car battery. But it is not just the engine that depends on the battery. Rear window heating and Heated seats and other functions put additional strain on the battery. If it is overwhelmed, it becomes limp. Charging via the alternator is not sufficiently possible, especially for short journeys. This is why it makes sense to do them regularly in winter to be charged via a charger.

The 10 most common mistakes drivers make in winter

If possible, should also be on additional consumers be waived. For example, an additional electric blanket. In the long run this leads Loss of tension not only to problems at startup. Sulphate crystals can also be deposited on the plates, which reduces the capacity. In the long run this will destroy the battery. One Battery pulser can counteract this. He ensures that the sulfate crystals are smashed by means of targeted voltage flashes.

4. The wrong window cleaner

Will the Window cleaner If not replaced in winter, the windscreen washer system can freeze. Because the summer cleaner is not designed for the low temperatures of winter. Both the tank and the lines can be damaged, which can be quite expensive. Then use it yourself Heated spray nozzles Nothing. In addition, it must be ensured that the right frost protection is filled. Diluted alcohol is particularly popular. While it is a great antifreeze, new ice quickly forms on the disc. At the same time, the alcohol leaves streaks on the window. These impair the view. And it can have different components in the system attack and decompose. In Window antifreeze however, there are special additives that prevent renewed icing and no streaks leave. It is important to focus on the Ratio of concentrate to pay attention. If there is too much in it, the cleaning performance will deteriorate. Besides, it's also bad for the environment.

The 10 most common mistakes drivers make in winter

In principle, a car in which the washer fluid system is frozen may do not participate in road traffic. That has the background that dirty discs one security risk represent. In the event of a dirty windshield, the police can impose a fine of 10 Euros raise. In the event of an accident, the driver may even receive one complicity.

5. Snow and ice stick to the car

If the windshield is iced up, 10 euros fine due. Because it is both negligent and dangerous if only one peephole is scratched free. Basically, both the windshield and the two side windows at the front must be defrosted. In addition, the car has to be from Be free from snow. Otherwise there is also a threat here Fines (€), namely at least 25 Euros. The snow cover can come off while driving and endanger both the driver and other road users. They must also be free of snow License-plates otherwise there will be more 5 euros fine

The 10 most common mistakes drivers make in winter

It is also important in modern cars that Sensors and the Cameras to remove snow and, if necessary, to clean it. Otherwise they report wrong information. Wrong distances or cloudy images can be transmitted. If you rely on a snow-covered assistance system, in the worst case scenario another car can being jostled. The radar-based assistants are usually covered, which means they are protected against snow and dirt. Still it can Impairments come. Once these have been cleaned, they should work properly again.

Note: In winter when there is snow, it is important to use the assistance systems with caution. Because for example Distance speedometer are not designed for bad weather conditions. Your calculated braking distances are therefore too short. Also for Lane Keeping Assist it becomes difficult to see the lane markings when the road is snowed in.

6. The switched off air conditioner

The Air conditioning should be switched on every now and then, even in winter. Because if it is not used for a longer period of time, there can be next to it Moisture also fungi and bacteria collect (This removes moisture in the car). These create an unpleasant odor. The Switching on the air conditioning but is also important because its operation lubricates seals and moving parts. In this way damage can be prevented. In addition, moisture is removed from the air, which fogged windows are cleared faster.

The 10 most common mistakes drivers make in winter

Note: Condensation water can freeze at sub-zero temperatures. This can damage the cables. That is why modern cars come with one Temperature sensor fitted. This means that the compressor can be switched off as soon as the temperature has dropped below five degrees. With older models, however, it is important that the driver is attentive and turns it off itself.

7. Fogged windows are only fought with the heater

If the windows in the car are fogged up, the Heating turned up and Blower aimed at the windshield. In principle it is correct. But only if Recirculation is not activated. Otherwise, the indoor air, which is already humid, will circulate. On the other hand, the cold air from outside is significantly drier. So she can absorb significantly more moisture.

The 10 most common mistakes drivers make in winter

If the interior has cooled down significantly, it also steams up because of the warm air we breathe. It is best after boarding open the window a little. This allows the moist air to escape. At the same time, the Air conditioning must be switched on. Combining the two is more effective than heating. So that no additional moisture builds up in the interior, it makes sense to before boarding the snow from shoes and clothing as much as possible to remove. The panes should also be cleaned regularly because they are clean less fogging. Alternatively, you can try an anti-fog spray.

8. Reduce tire pressure for more traction

The tire pressure to reduceso that the traction is better comes from times when the standard the Bias tires were. For Radial tires this only applies to a limited extent. Because the liability on the road and that Worsen braking behavior as soon as the tire pressure is too low. Be at the same time Increased fuel consumption and wear. With modern tires, a reduced tire pressure can only result thick snow cover improve traction. He should a maximum of a third below the value recommended by the manufacturer. Also, the speed shouldn't be more than 50 km/h be. It should be noted that the driving behavior becomes less safe as soon as the car rolls on asphalt or slush again.

The 10 most common mistakes drivers make in winter

Note: The tire pressure must also be checked in winter. If the temperatures drop, the air inside the tire also cools down. This leads to, that the pressure drops. The rule of thumb here is 0,1 bar for every 10 degrees. Tip: It is important to pay attention to this when a tire change is due for a tire with TPMS.

9. The rear fog light comes on too early

The in Nebelschlussleuch may only in very heavy fog be switched on. Just less than 50 meters according to the road traffic regulations. Otherwise, it can also be used in heavy rain, also with a visibility of less than 50 meters. Otherwise it will blind the following traffic. The driving speed is 50 km / h not exceeded will. Otherwise, a fine of at least 20 euros will apply. The rules for Fog Lights are less strict. They can generally be used when visibility is poor. The general rule: If visibility is poor, speed and distance are essential be adjusted. In fog, should be from High beam are disregarded.

The 10 most common mistakes drivers make in winter

10. Do not rely on the automatic light

With automatic headlights the driver doesn't have to worry about a lot. However, she often works in autumn and winter not reliable. Because the automatic light function not infrequently recognizes whether the visibility is poor dimmed headlights is to be switched. At the same time, the taillights remain switched off when the daytime running lights are more active. This means that your own car is for traffic behind you worse to see. That is why it makes sense to use the low beam both in rain and in fog turn it on yourselfinstead of relying on the automatic.

Other typical mistakes in winter

  • Too much gasWhen it's slippery: The tires spin faster on a slippery road surface. Therefore it is better to drive at low revs. If the gentle start does not work, you should change to second gear.
    The 10 most common mistakes drivers make in winter
  • Windshield wiper are switched on too early: Frozen windshield wipers should not be switched on. Otherwise the wiper blades will be damaged. This also applies to wiping over an icy window. Because this is how the rubber becomes porous. The wipers can with overcoats to be protected. Otherwise wait until the heater has thawed the windshield and wiper. (more on this in our article on frozen car windows)
    The 10 most common mistakes drivers make in winter
  • Door rubbers not maintained: The door rubbers and seals should before the onset of winter treated with deer tallow. This way they won't freeze and won't break when the door is opened. (Maintain more about this in our article on rubber seals)
    The 10 most common mistakes drivers make in winter
  • Let the car warm up: This is verboten and costs 10 euros warning fee. It is also harmful to the environment and unnecessary as it prevents the engine from reaching the optimum operating temperature. (More on this in our article on warming up the engine)
    The 10 most common mistakes drivers make in winter
  • Deicing with hot water: That is ineffective and dangerous. Because of the high temperature difference, the pane can crack, especially if it has already been damaged by stone chips. Scratches and de-icers are better. (more on this in our article on ice scraping)
    The 10 most common mistakes drivers make in winter
  • With the winter jacket in the car: Although there is no fine here, it is bad for your own health. Because through the winter jacket, it is possible that the belt cuts deeply, which can damage internal organs. It is better to put the jacket on the back seat.

The 10 most common mistakes drivers make in winter

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The 10 most common mistakes drivers make in winter

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About Thomas Wachsmuth

Thomas Wachsmuth - He has been an integral part of tuningblog.eu since 2013. His passion for cars is so intense that he invests every available penny in them. While he dreams of a BMW E31 850CSI and a Hennessey 6x6 Ford F-150, he currently drives a rather inconspicuous BMW 540i (G31/LCI). His collection of books, magazines and brochures on the subject of car tuning has now reached such proportions that he himself has become a walking reference work for the tuning scene.  More about Thomas

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