To winter sports by car: what do you need to know?

Have winter tires fitted

Although winter tires are not mandatory in the Netherlands, they are in the popular winter sports countries. Those who go to the mountains will have to do so on winter tires. Firstly, it is a lot safer, because winter tires offer more grip on winter roads than summer tires, but it is also simply mandatory. Anyone who is stopped on summer tires in winter sports areas is not allowed to continue and can pay a hefty fine. And if you cause an accident on your summer tires, the turnips are completely cooked. In such cases you can be held liable for all damage suffered and be charged with serious negligence. You can compare winter tires for your car in the Winter tires price comparator.

Bring snow chains

Snow chains are necessary for driving on heavily snow-covered and ice-covered roads. In many winter sports areas there are roadside signs telling you that snow chains are mandatory on those roads. So always take them with you. Do you still need to buy snow chains? Then make sure you choose chains that match your car and try wearing them a few times at home. This prevents you from fiddling with a set of snow chains that you take out of the packaging for the first time on a mountain pass in the freezing cold.

Make sure your car is prepared for the cold

Cars have a hard time in the winter, so it is important to make sure that your car can handle the winter cold before you go to winter sports by car. Check the condition of your battery and replace it when the end of the battery is in sight. If you don’t, it could be very difficult to start the car when it’s really cold. Also check your wiper fluid and make sure that it is the version with antifreeze, otherwise it is possible that the wiper fluid will freeze and you will not be able to use it.

Make sure you have a toll sticker

A toll vignette is a vignette that indicates that road tax has been paid for your car. In some countries such a vignette is mandatory; Austria, Switzerland and the Czech Republic want every car to have such a plate, while other countries only make it mandatory for trucks. A toll sticker is easy to obtain via the ANWB, but can also be bought at border crossings. Gas stations and post offices also sell them there. The vignettes are valid for a maximum of one year.

Traffic rules in the different countries

Each country has its own traffic rules, so it is wise to make sure you are well aware of speed limits and other regulations in the destination country and the countries you are passing through. This prevents you from doing something wrong completely unintentionally and thus running into a fine that you would have avoided if you knew in advance what the rules would be. Also keep an eye out for the signs if you’re in the mountains; in some places snow chains are mandatory. This is indicated by road signs.

Know what to do when slippery

Slippery conditions require extra caution from motorists. An adapted driving style is vital, even if you have winter tires fitted to your car. Braking roads are many times longer than on normal asphalt. You can lose control of your car much faster, even if this car is equipped with all kinds of driver assistance systems that should prevent this. It can also go wrong with these assistance systems and you are never alone on the road. So adjust your driving style; keep your distance, moderate your speed and look far ahead. Especially in the mountains, slippery conditions can be extremely treacherous and cause major problems, so be wary.

Going to winter sports with an electric car? Check the charging stations

Anyone who goes to winter sports with an electric car will experience that the range of his car decreases considerably as the temperature drops. That is why it is good to have a good idea in advance of the various (fast) charging stations. That way you know exactly where you can stop to quickly recharge your car and you avoid the stress that comes with a battery that still has a few percent left.