Ilhem Posted January 5, 2022 Posted January 5, 2022 With winter weather returning to many regions, Volkswagen offers tips on how to prepare and drive in snowy conditions. With Benjamin Lochter, Volkswagen Test and Development Driver, and Peter Bank, Volkswagen Test Drive Instructor, sharing their best tips for driving in cold weather. "Many drivers don't know what to do when it's cold or they are in a hurry and take shortcuts," explains Benjamin Lochter. "For example, they may only remove enough snow from the windshield to barely see instead of completely removing snow from the car, and this puts the driver and others on the road at risk." Volkswagen tips before you hit the road Luchter suggests cleaning snow and ice from all windows, not just the windshield, as well as removing snow blocking side mirrors, headlights and license plates. Also remove snow from the roof of the vehicle, as this snow can obstruct drivers behind you or fall forward, covering your windshield and blocking your vision. Bonk recommends using high-quality winter tires in snow conditions. Winter tires are designed to perform better on snow than summer or all-season tires. It is important to note that tire pressure can drop as the temperature increases, so be sure to routinely check and adjust tire pressures to recommended levels for your vehicle. Increase Visibility With washer fluids designed to perform well in low temperatures, you can also operate the heating and air conditioning of your vehicle at the same time to help remove moisture from the air inside the cabin. This helps reduce the amount of vapor that can collect on the windshield and reduce visibility. Be sure to check that the engine coolant and antifreeze mixture is at the recommended level and monitor battery life. A car battery can get fatigued under particularly heavy load at low temperatures and short trips may not allow enough time for the car's alternator system to recover lost charge. A battery charger can help address the loss of starting power from the battery. If problems persist, a new battery can be a good investment. If you are not sure, consult a trusted car care professional. Drive calmly and thoughtfully It is not a good idea to start the vehicle and drive immediately at high speeds or high rpm, especially in cold climates or after the vehicle has been parked for long periods of time. Bunky's advice is to drive at low speeds and rpm for the first few miles until the engine warms up. Lochter recommends refraining from using cruise control and increasing the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front, as stopping distances can increase in winter conditions. It also suggests being careful and operating the vehicle with smooth and controlled actions, avoiding rapid acceleration, aggressive steering and sudden braking. Tips when driving a Volkswagen in winter In Volkswagens equipped with a drive mode selector, it is best to use the ECO mode because the throttle response is muted, which helps with traction. In Volkswagens equipped with DCC®, the Comfort drive mode has smoother throttle response and the power steering requires less force to corner. If you find yourself in a skid, Bunk suggests driving in the direction of the skid if the vehicle is oversteering and the rear wheels are sliding out of the curve. It is also suggested to be very careful when accelerating if the vehicle is understeered and the front wheels are slipping out of the curve. Many modern vehicles are equipped with technology to aid traction in slippery conditions: however, driving at low speeds and rpm can help reduce wheel spin, skidding and the need for assistance systems intervention.
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