Saab is probably the best example in this matter, as the Scandinavian company is almost forced to built tough models that could easily face the low temperatures in the region. We're not sure what's the reason behind this, but Saab stepped in front of the media and offered, through the voice of Alan Cowan, General Manager Aftersales, a few advices on how to deal with winter.
Many of these advices are already known but, since they come from a company like Saab, they deserve our attention. Read the statements in the following paragraphs and , if you'd like to add some recommendations as well, feel free to use the comment form under the article.
“Whilst ice and snow are obvious hazards, it’s often the ‘invisible’ threat of black ice which can cause the biggest problems and driving round sheltered bends or corners which are shaded from the sun are where black ice is most likely to catch you out. A tell-tale clue that you are on black ice is when all goes quiet in the car and you can’t hear any tire noise. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t brake or make any sudden steering inputs, but ease off the accelerator and proceed slowly and smoothly.
“Know your car. It may sound silly, but it is essential to know whether your car is a front or a rear wheel drive vehicle so you can react accordingly in icy conditions. Skidding in snow or ice can easily occur, even at relatively low speeds. If it does happen, never brake. In the event of a front-wheel skid in a front-wheel drive car, come off the accelerator and steer the front wheels in the direction you wish to go. For a rear wheel skid, steer into the skid, i.e. steer in the direction the rear of the car is moving. ABS (anti-lock braking system) will help prevent skidding under braking, but be sure you keep the pedal pressed down hard and, if you can, try it for experience under safe conditions.
“The stopping distance for a car traveling at 30 mph is more than twice as long in icy conditions so it’s really important to keep an even greater distance between you and the car ahead. Added to which, grip is at a real premium in winter conditions and a tire with only the legal minimum tread depth displaces 85 per cent less water than a new tire. If your tires are on the edge of needing to be replaced, my advice is to act now rather than run the risk of losing grip or aquaplaning on the road.
“Lights (front, rear and indicators) can quickly become caked in road grime when it’s snowy and slushy and the range of your car’s headlamps can be reduced by as much as 30 metres if road grime accumulates on the lens. Clean them regularly, even mid-journey in severe conditions, so that you can ‘see and be seen’ at all times.
“It goes without saying that anti-freeze is the engine’s first line of defense, and it’s really important to get this checked each year, regardless of mileage, as part of the car’s service. If you haven’t had your anti freeze levels checked, it’s not too late, so get it checked out now.
“Finally, minimize wheel spin when moving off or accelerating in manual transmission cars by using a higher gear; when de-icing, leave the side windows open slightly if you don’t have air conditioning - it will speed up the de-misting process. And if you do get stuck, try reducing your tire pressures; this gives you more grip by putting more tire tread in contact with the ground.”
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