17.11.2004
Some winter tips from freerider Kaj Zackrisson
The 31-year old Swede, Kaj Zackrisson is one of the world's top freeriders. He skis, for example, in the Big Mountain races, which, with their trails bristling with craggy rocks and almost impossible mountain slopes, are regarded as the crème de la crème in freeskiing. He drives about 50,000 kilometers in his Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon every winter, and a roof box helps with stowing his skis and camera gear.
Anyone who travels around in winter as much as Zackrisson does knows a lot about safe driving on ice and snow. Following are some important tips on how driving can become safer in winter times:
1.
The right equipment
You can only rely on the material – however good it is – if you check it regularly before use. A car check is also highly advisable as winter approaches. The following points should be checked:
- Winter tires: Four millimeters of tread are the minimum. Apart from that, the tires should not be older than four years, because the rubber compound hardens with time and adhesion suffers.
- Engine cooling fluid: The addition of anti-freeze guarantees that the cooling fluid doesn't freeze at low temperatures and damages the engine.
- Battery: The battery has particular problems in the cold season because it takes a lot of power to start the cold engine with high-viscosity oil. When checking the voltage, also check the acid level.
- Windscreen washers: Anti-freeze additives prevent the water from freezing on the cold windscreen and also stop the windscreen washer nozzles and pipes from freezing up.
2. The right driving technique
Like skiers who change from prepared slopes to deep snow, car drivers also have to change their driving style when winter comes. Some tips:
- Keep your distance: Because the braking distance on snowy, icy or leaf-covered roads is much longer, it is more important than ever in winter to keep your distance from the vehicle in front. When safe to do so, test the brakes to get an idea of the road conditions.
- Drive off carefully: On icy or snow-covered roads, don't accelerate too hard in order to prevent the wheels from spinning. It is sometimes better to move off in second gear.
- Avoid abrupt steering movements
- Brake carefully : When driving downhill, brake only with the engine if possible. On icy roads, release the clutch to brake.
- Keep to main roads : They tend to be cleared or gritted first.
3. Keeping fit
There are also a few things drivers can do to enhance their physical and mental well-being in winter:
- Listen to the weather reports and road news in good time: If you know what conditions await you on the road and at your destination, you won't be surprised by bad weather and long traffic jams. That reduces stress.
- Take a rest: Regular breaks prevent overtiredness, which is a particularly important aspect in difficult driving conditions and poor visibility.
- Eat right: Light meals, plenty of fruit and vegetables and frequent drinks help keep you alert.
- Wear comfortable clothing: Take off thick jackets and coats before taking the wheel. It's not only more comfortable, it’s also safer because the seat belts have less slack, and it also gives you room to move in an emergency.