Driving Tips For Winter Season In India

Winter in India offers a relief from the heat, but it also brings in some unique challenges while you drive. From icy roads to dense fog (or as Delhi likes to call it, SMOG), winter demands extra preparation and care to ensure that your journeys are safer. Here are essential tips to keep you and your car ready for the colder months.

Get Your Vehicle Serviced

Winter can be tough on vehicles, especially in regions like North India and up in the Himalayas, where it may snow. Regular maintenance is very important to avoid breakdowns. Get your car serviced before the winter sets in, replacing consumable parts like brake pads, belts, and batteries. A well-maintained vehicle ensures fewer breakdowns during frosty mornings or cold nights.

Test Your Battery

Cold temperatures can drain your battery faster than usual. Before winter, check your battery’s health and charge. If your battery is nearing the end of its life, replace it to avoid getting stranded in the cold. Keeping jumper cables handy would be a good idea.

Keep Windows And Lights Clean

Foggy and icy conditions can limit visibility, making clean windows and lights important. Regularly keep your car’s windows, mirrors, and lights clean by using lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, as the temperature difference can crack the glass. Before driving, defrost the windows using the defogger.

Check Wipers And Washer Fluid

Winter grime, frost, and dirt can block your windshield’s clarity. Inspect your wiper blades and replace them if worn out. Use winter-specific washer fluid to prevent freezing and keep your windshield clear.

Fun Fact: In Russia, some drivers use vodka instead of washer fluid for their cars! Why? Because vodka doesn’t freeze, making it a practical, yet an unconventional solution for their harsh negative temperatures. Is this a clever hack or just their vodka love a bit too far? You decide!

Check Tyre Traction

Your tyres are super important in winter. Check the tread depth and ensure they’re in good condition to handle slippery roads. Proper tyre pressure is equally important — over-inflated tyres can skid, while under-inflated tyres may reduce traction. In snowy regions, consider using snow chains as well as winter tyres to ensure.

Fog Driving 101

Fog can make short drives difficult. Use fog lamps and low beams to improve visibility — high beams will only reflect off the fog and make things worse. Reduce speed and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, so that you have enough reaction time to brake or maneuver if need be.

Learn Winter Driving Techniques

Driving properly in winter is the key. Avoid sudden braking, sharp turns, or quick acceleration, as these can lead to skidding. If your car has a winter or snow mode, use it to prevent loss of traction. On roads where you have less traction, it could be beneficial if you start in second gear instead of first to maintain control.

Bonus: This One Is For EV Owners

Winters can impact your electric vehicle’s performance especially, the lithium-ion battery, which usually happens in lower temperatures. To maintain efficiency, owners may avoid parking their EVs outdoors for long periods and even avoiding fast-charging at all moments. Making sure that the battery doesn’t drop below 20 percent may ensure long life of the battery as well as avoid range dropping in colder climate. 

Be Winter-Ready

Driving in winter requires a mix of preparation and caution. From maintaining your car to learning how to handle foggy and icy conditions. These tips will ensure that you’re ready for the challenges of the cold season. So gear up, drive smart, and enjoy safe and comfortable winter journeys!