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Winters in North India can range from mild to extremely harsh, depending on where you live. In states like Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh, we make do with severe fog like conditions and chilly winds, but move a little upwards towards Himachal and J&K or eastwards towards Uttarakhand and Arunachal, and you can find icy roads and deep snow too.
It’s October already, and the weather is expected to change soon, so here we are with a guide to help you get ready with your car for the winters.
Essential Tips for Tyre Care During Winters
Starting off, we want to emphasize some basic tips which are always crucial for safe driving.
1. Check tyre pressure regularly: Cold temperatures can cause your tyres to lose pressure as the air naturally contracts when it’s cooled. Having properly inflated tyres can save you from tyre troubles most of the time. So, we recommend checking your car’s tyre pressure at least once a week. You don’t have to be extreme about it, a simple visual inspection before and after you get in the car should be enough to tell you if a tyre or two needs inflation.
2. Consider buying winter tyres or snow tyres: These tyres are designed using a different type of rubber compound that resists hardening in extreme cold, and come with special tread patterns that are helpful in navigating icy or snowy roads. If you live in areas where roads ice up overnight or there is a lot of snow, consider switching to winter or snow tyres. The Apollo Alnac 4G Winter is a suitable tyre for cars and hatchbacks during winters. Check with your local dealer for availability. If you are looking for an SUV winter tyre, the Vredestein Pinza AT is a severe snow rated tyre with 3PMSF rating.
3. Check your tread depth: Your tyres’ tread depth makes a night and day difference between how your vehicle drives on the road. The minimum legal tread depth in India is 1.6 mm, however, when it comes to personal and family safety, it’s always better to have extra. If your tyre’s are below the recommended levels then replace your tyres before the winters arrive.
4. Replace damaged tyres: If you have been driving around with tyres that have weird bulges or cracks in the sidewalls, replace them promptly. The cold weather can quickly deteriorate the tyre and cause sudden mishaps. If you are not sure that the lump in your tyre’s sidewall is serious or not, visit a mechanic or Apollo Tyres shop near you to get professional advice.
Carry Essential Supplies
Apart from checking the tyres, there are certain items that you should be carrying in your car’s boot for effective tyre care.
Buy a flashlight with a good light throw and possibly a mounting bracket. It’s a handy tool that far exceeds the usability of phone lights when changing tyres and making repairs at night.
Keep a portable tyre inflator and a tyre pressure gauge in your car’s tool kit.
Buy a Roadside Assistance Package from your tyre or insurance provider for added peace of mind.
Get an emergency medical care kit if you do not have one already. If you are still lugging around the old med-kit that came with the vehicle, replace the expired or used supplies.
Safe Driving Tips for Cold Weather
Finally, in addition to essential tyre care, here are some tips for overall driving safety in winters.
Check your vehicle: Make sure your battery is in good condition. Check your coolant, windshield washer fluid, and brake fluid levels. Make sure all lights are working properly. Replace worn blades for optimal visibility.
Weather Forecast: Check the forecast and be aware of potential snow, ice, and freezing rain.
Route Planning: Choose routes with less traffic and consider alternate routes in case of road closures.
Slow Down: Driving conditions change rapidly in winter, so reduce your average driving speed and drive defensively.
Increase Following Distance: Allow for extra stopping distance instead of driving bumper-to-bumper, especially in hilly areas.
Be Gentle: Accelerate and brake slowly to avoid skidding.
Avoid Sudden Movements: Maintain smooth steering and avoid abrupt turns.
Use Headlights: Even in daylight, use headlights to increase visibility.
Be Aware of Black Ice: Be extremely cautious on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas, otherwise you can slip inadvertently off the road.
Use Defroster/Defogger: Ensure clear visibility by keeping your windshield, side windows, and rear window clear of frost and condensation.
Know When to Stop: If the weather is too severe, it's best to delay your trip or find a safe place to pull over.
Check Your Tyres Frequently: Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread depth.
Stay Alert: Avoid distractions and focus on driving.
Remember, a well-maintained vehicle and a few extra precautions can make all the difference in staying safe on the roads during the colder months. By following these tips, you can navigate the winter roads with confidence and go the distance in safety.