Status: 16.01.2024, 16:29 PM
By: Sebastian Oppenheimer
CommentsPrint Share
Snow, ice, fogged-up windows: winter presents drivers with special challenges. Some utensils should therefore always be on board.
Many drivers like to postpone the change to winter tires more and more. Because as long as the weather is still right, there are no problems with the summer tires. Unfortunately, the onset of winter often comes very quickly – and it becomes difficult for workshops to get appointments for a change. Then you either have to wait a long time or do the tire change yourself. But it's not just changing tyres that is important for the winter season – in order to be prepared for all cold scenarios, drivers should definitely have a few things with them at all times.
You can find out how to make provisions for the future, what supplies and utensils you should have at home in case of an emergency and how you can easily take care of yourself with the help of your garden – you can find out all this in the Merkur.de pension newsletter.
What utensils should be in the car in winter
- 1. Ice scraper: Good for those who have a garage as a car owner. If you have to park outside, on the other hand, the first thing you often do in winter in the morning is often cast an anxious glance out of the window: Has it frozen? Unfortunately, this is often the case, so it is essential to have an ice scraper in the car – and if possible, not the cheapest. Anyone who has ever had their grip broken off or struggled with a blunt scratch knows a thing or two about it. A "spare scratch" is also a worthwhile investment. Not only in case one of them breaks – you can also scrape in pairs with stubborn ice.
- 2. Cloth or sponge: Also often annoying in the cold: fogged up windows. It usually takes a little time for the ventilation to get up to speed – until then, the only thing that helps is mopping. However, it is better not to smear the windshield with your hand. It's better to have a rag or sponge (leather works well) ready to make sure you see through.
Ice and snow make life difficult for drivers in winter – that's why it's important to have some utensils in your car. (Symbolic ImageI) © Zoonar/Imago
You can find even more exciting car topics in the free newsletter from our partner 24auto.de.
In case of a breakdown or long traffic jams: put the blanket in the trunk
- 3. Hand broom: It's not just frozen windows that cause a lot of work for drivers – occasionally there is also a good layer of snow on the car. This is where a hand broom comes in handy. Not only to clear the windows – it is also important to remove the snow from the roof, bonnet and trunk so that the view remains clear while driving and other road users are not endangered.
- 4. Ceiling: No motorist is immune to a breakdown. But especially in winter, waiting for help can not only be a test of patience, but also dangerous due to the cold. Even if it means some extra weight, it is therefore advisable to put a blanket in the car. If you want to protect children from the cold while driving, so as not to strap them on with a thick jacket, you should warm up the blanket in the house or apartment.
- 5. Jumper cable: Car batteries tend to run out in the cold. And even if the case rarely occurs, in such a situation you are happy to have a jumper cable at hand. Then all you have to do is find a donor car – and it's important to follow the order when bridging.
My news
In ice and cold: Simple battery test for drivers in winter
Double-dashed center line: What road markings meanread
Turbo roundabout causes confusion: how to behave correctlyread
Quickly de-icing windows: Is it OK to leave the engine running while scraping ice?read
Passed at the 60th attempt: Learner driver fails the driving test 59 timesread
Ban on tyres with the M+S symbol: From 2024 onwards, there is a risk of hefty fines
Recommended by the ADAC: AEG Safety Jumper Cable SP 25
The integrated voltage spike protection of the AEG jumper cable SP 25 (promotional link) prevents damage to the on-board electronics of both vehicles, including ABS, airbag and hi-fi, during the start-up process. Without this protection, voltage spikes of up to 800 volts in the nanosecond range can occur, which can lead to damage or total failure of electronic components.