Guides and tips
Snow and ice often turn car parks into treacherous traps. Anyone who parks their car carelessly in winter not only risks frozen brakes and damage to the paintwork, but also hinders the snow-clearing services in an emergency. With the right strategy, you can protect your vehicle from the dangers of the cold and get through the frosty season with peace of mind.
View tips for parking in winter
Staying safe through the winter involves more than just switching to winter tyres. Even when your car is parked, the weather takes its toll on the bodywork and mechanical components. From the danger of snow sliding off roofs to the strategic use of steering on gradients – find out here how to park your car safely for the winter and what common mistakes you should definitely avoid right now.
Keep a hand brush and a small dustpan in the car (not just in the boot!). That way, you’ll be prepared if your car is completely buried in snow when you finish work.
Scraping ice off the windscreen is not only time-consuming, but also avoidable – at least when it comes to the windscreen. A cover, ideally made up of four layers of material, can prevent ice or snow from building up on the windscreen. Aluminium foil is another option: this can be useful not only in winter, but also helps to protect against the heat in summer.
When you get out of the car, you should apply the handbrake. But does this still apply in sub-zero temperatures?
In principle, there is no obligation to apply the handbrake; however, parked vehicles must be secured to prevent them from rolling away.
If the surface is level, it is usually sufficient to engage a gear. To be on the safe side, the handbrake can also be applied. When parking on a slope, this is essential in any case.
However, in sub-zero temperatures, there is a legitimate fear that the applied handbrake might freeze. In principle, a handbrake that is regularly maintained and used will not freeze. However, if you own an older vehicle with drum brakes, caution is advised when parking the car in freezing cold weather with the handbrake applied.
One way to get round this and avoid using the handbrake is to secure the car against rolling away by placing wheel chocks under the wheels, in addition to leaving it in gear.
Fold in the wing mirrors or use special covers to protect them from ice and snow. For electric cars, the automatic folding function should be deactivated to prevent damage to the motors.
Park the vehicle so that it does not start to slide. Turn the steering wheel towards the kerb and apply the handbrake. In sub-zero temperatures, the handbrake may freeze, which can be a problem; in this case, additional safety measures should be taken.
Lift the windscreen wipers or use special covers to prevent them from freezing. This protects the wiper blades and ensures better visibility.
Ideally, park your electric car in a heated garage. If this isn’t possible, you should preheat the vehicle to maximise its range and preserve the battery.
Frost, ice and slippery surfaces make parking in winter particularly challenging. Our 5 expert tips will show you how to park your car safely, prevent it from freezing over and avoid damage to both its appearance and functionality.
