This is not the first time this guide has been published. Perhaps we need to update it?
It’s still good advice and good reading, though, for those settling into the northern winter. Make sure that both you and your Saab are ready to take on what Mother Nature throws at you. Your Saab is designed for these conditions and should handle them well, but you still need to pay attention to its condition and make your preparations.
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Winter Driving – an A to Z Guide from Saab
For drivers and their vehicles alike, winter is the most testing time of the year. Difficult driving conditions greatly increase the risk of an accident and even routine journeys can become hazardous experiences. As a result, it seems imperative to drive carefully during the winter. The fact remains that accidents can still occur due to the negligence or irresponsibility of other drivers. When in such a situation, it is recommended that you contact an auto accident lawyer Las Vegas (or wherever you live) so that you can file a lawsuit against the driver and receive compensation.
Scandinavian winters are among the most severe in Europe and place extreme demands on the abilities of cars and their drivers to perform reliably and safely at all times. For those who wish to escape the winter chills and would rather go dune-riding (those interested may click to see sandrail for sale), safety tips must still be followed! Remember though, safe driving for desert and summer roads is different from those for winter roads. Saab Automobile of Sweden is used to designing and building cars for extreme winter conditions and here Chief Test Engineer Torbjörn Christensson gives a seasonal A to Z guide of simple “do’s” and “don’ts” that will be useful to all car drivers.
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A
Anti-freeze is the engine’s first line of defence against sub-zero conditions. But how often do you check it? For it to remain effective, the recommended strength must be at least 50%. Topping up your coolant with water only, for example, will gradually dilute the mixture. To be sure of maximum protection, do ensure the anti-freeze is checked each year, regardless of mileage, as part of the car’s service.
B
Black ice. Whilst ice and snow are obvious hazards, black ice is an almost invisible threat, especially during the onset of freezing temperatures. Beware when driving round sheltered bends or corners which are shaded from the sun, because this is where black ice is most likely to catch out the unsuspecting. A tell-tale clue you are on black ice is when all goes quiet in the car and you cannot hear any tire noise. Do not brake or make any sudden steering inputs but do ease off the accelerator and proceed slowly and smoothly.
C
Car batteries are put to a severe test in winter due to the extra demands of running heating fans and lights. Most are now maintenance-free but do have the voltage checked, especially if the car is repeatedly used for short journeys. Consider charging the battery overnight or try to plan a longer run occasionally.
Continue reading Saab’s A-to-Z Winter Driving Tips
