Winter Equipment for the Car - When the Snow Falls

We humans then rummage for hats, gloves, scarves, and down jackets. In addition, the lined shoes with a coarser profile are provided. But the car also needs its winter equipment to safely take you from A to B or to Tyrol or South Tyrol.

Snowshoes for the car

From November to April, the weather-dependent winter tire requirement for cars applies in both Tyrol and South Tyrol. This means that "winter driving conditions" - i.e. in snow, slush, or ice - summer tires are not allowed to be used. Anyone who does so and causes an accident will also have problems with the insurance. The insurance may refuse payment if winter tires were not mounted. On the Brenner motorway, the winter tire requirement always applies during this period - regardless of whether the roads are snow-covered, icy, or bone dry.

When heading into alpine areas, you should definitely consider purchasing snow chains. Although there is no general legal obligation to carry snow chains in cars, traffic signs may be placed on individual road sections requiring chains to be mounted on at least two drive wheels. Mounting chains is not rocket science, but it is recommended to practice mounting the chains before the trip. This way, you will know every step in case of need and can continue your journey more quickly. Also, do not forget to pack appropriate work gloves and maybe a blanket as a base when kneeling in the trunk.

Regularly check the level of the windscreen washer fluid and add antifreeze if necessary. Also, check the frost resistance of your coolant. There are special measuring devices for this. Because if the water freezes in the radiator, there is a high risk that it will not survive unscathed and will eventually need to be replaced.

If you can't remember when you bought the built-in starter battery, it's probably not wrong to have it tested by a specialist. Because at freezing temperatures, it struggles much more during the starting process, and it can quickly happen that nothing works anymore.

To prevent the doors from freezing in icy temperatures, lubricate the door seals with appropriate lubricants. Home remedies such as deer tallow have also proven to be effective for this. The wiper blades, on the other hand, will thank you for cleaning them with a little windscreen washer fluid for a better wiping pattern.

A problem that is rarely considered is the light film of dirt that can form on the inside of the windshield. Often caused by rising moisture from the footwell and breath. This dirt film results in the windshield fogging up more quickly. So, clean the windshield regularly from the inside as well.

For long journeys through the deepest winter landscapes, it is also advisable to take a sleeping bag or a thick blanket with you. Not to avoid staying in a hotel, but rather because of the possibility of getting stuck in a traffic jam or if the heating fails. In both cases, the warming textile can save you from frostbite.

The sunglasses are not only an important part of the driver's equipment in the warm season. Especially in winter, when the sun is very low, they protect against being blinded. Also, remember that snow and ice can intensively reflect the light.

Finally, a tip that is often overlooked in its simplicity: door lock de-icers are better off in your jacket pocket than in the frozen car.