Keep your car fit for winter driving!

Not having the right tyres could soon cost a lot of money! Visibility is reduced due to snowfalls and snowstorms. Roads get covered with slush which later freezes making them dangerously icy. Follow these helpful tips and you will get through the remainder of the cold season safely and comfortably.

Keep driving on winter tyres until spring starts! From May this year at the latest, motorists will face a minimum fine of 20 euros if their cars are not suitably equipped for prevailing weather conditions, and as much as 40 euros if they are obstructing the traffic, according to an amendment of the German Road Traffic Regulations passed by German parliament. This does not mean that winter tyres are generally mandatory. And the comprehensive insurance can still only refuse to pay in the event of gross negligence on the part of the driver - like, for example, if the car was being driven on summer tyres in snowy mountainous regions - reassures the Federation of Public Insurance Companies. "Nevertheless, those driving in snow and slush should think of their own safety as well as the safety of other road users by equipping their car with winter tyres", recommends Sven Klein from the Federation.

Ensure maximum visibility at all times! Keep car windows clear of snow and ice. Scraping a peephole in the windscreen is not enough! Clear snow from the roof. Snow piled up on the roof can fall onto the windscreen obscuring your view and can also be a hazard to the person driving behind you.

Make sure the vehicle can be seen! It is vital that the vehicle's lights are checked regularly. Auto light bulbs do not normally fail suddenly. Instead, their light output declines gradually. Do not forget to clean snow and dirt from the headlights as well. Driving with your headlights on during daytime hours will help others to see you better during the dark season. Get your lights checked. Many workshops still provide this service free of charge.

Check the battery! After all, you want the car to start following an extremely cold night.

Be well prepared for an emergency! Additional warm and windproof clothing also belongs in the car, together with the battery jump lead, the first aid kit and the warning triangle.

Go light on the accelerator! Drive reasonably to avoid unpleasant surprises.

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