Driving during winter months on any road can be dangerous and risky. In India, especially an ideal winter night means the usual chills, fog and darkness. Heavy fog created due to high levels of pollutants and impurities further makes visibility poor and causes driving conditions unworthy. In areas where heavy snowfall occurs, driving conditions become totally inadequate. However, work commitments can compel us to be out on the roads with our vehicles even if we do not desire. It is better to take some tips into consideration before venturing out during the winter months on roads in India.

Safety tips to drive cars on Indian roads during winter season:-

• Vehicle must be prepared –
  Driving during winters require the car to be completely serviced at intervals. The following checklist must be fulfilled before driving out in the winters:
  – Make sure that the lights of the car is working and is clean.
  – Ensure that the car battery is charged fully.
  – Ensuring cleanliness of the windscreen, windows and wipers.
  – The condition of the tyre must be tested over and over again.
  – Similarly frequent brake tests must be made to ensure they are always working properly.
  – Anti freezing oil can help keep the fluids liquid.
• Emergency car kit –
  It is important to carry the automobile emergency kit when driving during witners.Especially if one is driving long distance, this emergency kit can be of immense help at times of need.  The following are the various tools that one must carry at all times:-
  – A tow rope
  -Shovel
  -High boots
  -Equipments that aids in breaking ice
  -First aid for the individual
  -Torch
  -Car blanket
  -Some warm additional clothes
  -Emergency food and water supply
  -A fully charged cell phone
• Journey planning –
  It is a good habit to always hear local news or weather forecasts before going out with the car during the winter months. There are many radio and television channels which keeps updating about the latest news and information. It is always better to know about the area one will be driving through before going out.
• Prepare your own self –
  Driving in the city during summers and during winters are totally two different things. The entire environment is full of pollution from vehicles. During winter due to heavy fog and mist, visibility becomes poor even when driving within the city. Hence, one must be well prepared and have experience of driving during winter.
• Speed reduction –
  It is important to lower the speed of the vehicle when driving in fog. The fog light must always be activated even if it during the day for safety. One is also recommended to use the wipers on the windscreen to keep visibility proper. It is important to drive slowly instead of rushing. Hence, one must take ample time in hand when driving in the winter months.
• Less sun –
  Sometimes in winter when the angle of the sun is lower than usual one can experience glow or glare. In such cases one must immediately reduce the speed and pull over. After spending some time stabilizing the eyesight one must get back to driving again.