Thanks to its exhaustive experience of Scandinavian winters, Volvo is well versed in the art of driving in tough conditions. Driving on snow and ice pushes a car and driver's ability to its limits, and with temperatures routinely hitting minus thirty where Volvo tests its new models, the company can offer a wealth of advice for driving in wintry conditions. Here are our top tips for winter driving:
Looking after your car
Use a washer fluid that contains plenty of anti-freeze to prevent it freezing; which can damage the washer pump, hoses and nozzles. Avoid using de-icing sprays on door locks because the solvent in them can impair the lock mechanism. Instead uses a Teflon lock spray, available from Volvo dealers. Use a quality engine coolant that can cope with -35 degree temperatures without freezing. Regularly fill the fuel tank. This prevents condensation and provides the maximum running time if stuck in snow. Lower viscosity engine oil (5W/30, for example) is thinner and is better suited to cold temperatures than thicker oils. It reduces fuel consumption and makes cold starting easier. Regularly check the battery. Increased use of the heater and other electrical systems in winter will place it under greater strain. For ultimate peace of mind, Volvo dealers offer any make or age of car a £15 'Clean and Check' 13-point inspection of essentials that drivers should regularly check (but frequently don't!). At this time of year, there's also a more thorough, 25-point 'Winter Check', including a wash and clean, for £30.Looking after the driver
As well as caring for the car, don't forget the most important component in any motoring: the driver, who is often placed under greater stress in wintry conditions. Our tips are:
Avoid wearing bulky clothes which can inhibit movement. Volvo's dashboards include large control knobs that can be used while wearing gloves. Carry warm clothes and a shovel in the car in case it gets stuck in snow. Volvo dealers sell a range of wintry accessories, such as flasks, rugs and cosy fleeces. Compacted snow is likely to be more slippery than fresh snow, so don't always follow other people's tracks in the road. Brake gently and allow much greater stopping distances on icy roads. If the car skids, steer into the skid. Be prepared to use snow banks by the side of the road to slow the car. Use the dehumidifying effects of air-conditioning to keep windows clear of condensation. Electoronic climate control, as fitted to all of the latest Volvo range, has been tested to beyond -30 degrees centigrade and is more effective than regular air conditioning. Combustion is less efficient in cold temperatures, which can worsen some car's emissions. Air-conditioning can help purify air coming into the cabin, while Volvo has an advanced Interior Air Quality System to keep cabin air as clean as possible. Don't turn interior heating up too high in winter. A too hot interior, especially coupled to a cold outside temperature, can increase drowsiness, reaction time and increase errors. Automatic transmissions usually have a winter setting that aids traction by pulling away in a higher gear than normal, reducing the potential for wheelspin.
