Top Winter Driving Tips
Driving in winter can be treacherous when the conditions are wet, icy or snowy. So it's vital that you take a little extra care whenever you're out on the road.
To help you reach your destination safely and to look after your car during winter, please read the tips below.
1) Defrost your car
Ensure you allow sufficient time to safely defrost your car with a Mercedes-Benz de-icer and ice scraper before starting your journey.
2) Reduce demand on batteries
Batteries are put under more strain in the colder months, so it makes sense to reduce the demands on them. When the engine is not running, avoid using car electrics longer than necessary.
3) Wash your Mercedes-Benz regularly
Protect your Mercedes-Benz from the harsh elements by washing it regularly to remove the build up of road salt and dirt. Stone chips can allow rust to form quickly in the cold, damp weather so get these repaired as soon as possible.
4) Ensure there is sufficient Anti-Freeze in your cooling system
Ensure your cooling system contains sufficient anti-freeze during the winter period. Your local Mercedes-Benz Retailer will be able to check this for you.
5) Clean headlamps and windows regularly
To improve visibility, clean headlamps and windows regularly.
6) Keep windscreen and headlamp weather fluid topped up
Windscreen and headlamp washer fluid should be kept topped up with Mercedes-Benz WinterFit windscreen concentrate to reduce the chance of freezing in frosty weather.
7) Check your tyres
Check the condition, pressure and tread depth of all tyres every 2-3 weeks. Extensive testing shows that tyres with a minimum recommended tread depth of 3mm will stop in a distance of 91 meters from 70mph compared with 135 metres with a tread depth of 1.6mm.
8) Consider Mercedes-Benz Cold Weather Tyres
Consider changing to Mercedes-Benz Cold Weather Tyres. They are designed to improve traction and stability thanks to a specially designed tread pattern and rubber compound to be more suited to driving in temperatures below 7°C. (Click the 'Enquire about cold weather tyres' button below to enquire about our Mercedes-Benz cold weather tyres)
9) Keep your distance and watch your speed
Stopping distances can be up to 11 metres longer in ice and snow at 20 miles per hour*, so keep your distance and watch your speed.
10) Avoid sudden acceleration or braking
Avoid sudden acceleration or braking as this could result in a loss of grip on snow covered, wet or icy surfaces
Above all, put safe driving before punctuality so allow extra time for your journey.
*Source: Continental