How to drive safely in winter: practical tips, car check-up and advice for trips to the mountains

Winter driving has its charm, but also its specifics. Morning frost, snow on the roads, slush, reduced visibility and longer braking distances. All of this means that both the car and the driver need a bit more care in winter.

This guide sums up the essentials: how to prepare your car for winter travel, how to drive safely on snow and ice, what to keep in mind when heading to the mountains, and what equipment you should always keep in the car.

And if you’d prefer not to deal with winter maintenance at all, you’ll also find out why many people choose carsharing with Autonapul during the winter season.

How to prepare your car for winter

One of the most common issues of winter travel is poor technical condition of the vehicle. Proper preparation significantly increases both safety and comfort.

What you should check before winter

Brake pads - worn brakes can add several metres to your stopping distance on snow.
Proper tyres - not only their age but also tread depth. The recommended minimum is 5 mm.
Shock absorbers and axles - essential for stability on uneven surfaces and in corners.
Fluids - winter washer fluid and, if needed, coolant check.
Battery - loses a significant amount of capacity in low temperatures.
Winter equipment you may need - snow brush, ice scraper, small shovel (great for mountains), gloves, reflective elements and snow chains if you’re heading to areas where they may be required.

With carsharing, you don’t have to worry about seasonal tyre changes or tyre condition. We take care of everything for you. The cars come with an ice scraper, suitable fluids and most also have snow chains.

Driving on snow and ice, confidence behind the wheel

In winter, it’s crucial to drive smoothly, without sudden braking and with plenty of distance. On snow and ice, the car behaves very differently than in summer. Stress can arise when facing a snowy hill or a long road outside the city.

Practical tips for winter driving

Drive calmly and avoid sudden steering movements.
Brake wisely, ideally using engine braking - keep a gear engaged.
To avoid wheel lock in a skid, always enter corners and intersections with the car already stabilised, and avoid shifting gears or braking inside the turn (especially on low-traction surfaces).
Increase your distance - at least double. On icy roads, even up to five times.
Start off with low revs. If the wheels slip, ease off.
Follow the tyre tracks where there is no slush.
Keep your fuel tank full or ensure enough charge in an EV - helpful in traffic jams.
Don’t forget warm gloves and a blanket, especially when travelling to the mountains.
Give yourself extra time. In winter, it simply makes sense not to hurry. 🙂

"For me, the most important thing on snow is staying calm. Knowing that an Autonapul car always has the right tyres and is in good condition makes me feel more confident behind the wheel."

Michal from Olomouc

Tips from BESIP

Trips to the mountains: chains, equipment and preparation

Winter mountains are beautiful, but they can surprise you. Our Autonapul team experienced it ourselves during an Easter trip to Austria. Even a trip to popular Praded or the Sumava region can turn into a winter challenge within just a few kilometres.

Mountain weather can change quickly and piles of snow can appear even in spring

What to keep in mind before heading to the mountains

Check if you have snow chains.
Try putting them on beforehand - not when you suddenly need them.
Follow current information about road conditions; mountain sections change quickly.
Keep warm clothing, water and a power bank in the car.
On sections marked “chains required”, you really must put them on.

In our Autonapul shared cars, you’ll find chains in all categories except Renault Arkana.

"I always have chains ready in a shared car. It saves my nerves in the mountains."

Katka from Hradec Kralove

Winter benefits of carsharing (when you don’t want to deal with maintenance)

Even though this article is written for all drivers, it’s worth mentioning why many people appreciate carsharing especially in winter. It saves them the worries that the cold season brings.

You don’t have to take care of the car’s technical condition,
no tyre changes to arrange,
you don’t expose your own car to salt and frost,
you can choose the right car for the situation, a small one for the city, a bigger one for the mountains, some even have ski pass-throughs,
you pay only for the time you actually drive.

"In winter I leave my small car at home and take a shared one for trips. I know it’s perfectly prepared."

Dan from Prague

Final note and recommendation from our fleet manager

“In freezing temperatures, do not engage the handbrake, if it is not neccessary. This will prevent it from freezing and causing complications when you need to use the car. Simply leave the car in gear. If you’re on a steep incline, always use 1st gear downhill, reverse uphill, and use the handbrake only lightly.”

Try Autonapul and make this winter a little more comfortable.