Long Drives in Snow & Ice: The Ultimate Safety Guide for a Stress-Free Journey
It’s a familiar scenario for many in Germany: the drive to a ski holiday, a family visit over Christmas, or an important cross-country business trip. But then comes the weather forecast: snow, ice, sub-zero temperatures. Immediately, stress sets in. Do I have to cancel the trip? Will I get stuck in a traffic jam? Is it too dangerous?
The good news is: with the right preparation and the knowledge of how to behave on wintry roads, you can turn the fear of a long winter drive into confident self-assurance. This guide is your co-pilot for a safe and relaxed journey, no matter what the weather report says.
Phase 1: Before You Leave – Preparation is 90% of Success
The safest journey is the one that starts well-prepared. Take an hour the day before your trip for these crucial checks. They are not optional; they are your life insurance.
Your Car, Your Fortress
- Winter Tires: Check the tread depth. The legal minimum in Germany is 1.6 mm, but the ADAC strongly recommends at least 4 mm for real grip on snow and slush. Also, check the tire pressure—cold air reduces pressure, affecting stability.
- Antifreeze: Both the coolant and the windshield washer fluid must be rated for temperatures down to at least -25°C. Nothing is more dangerous than a frozen windshield on the Autobahn because the washer fluid has frozen.
- Battery: Cold is the biggest enemy of the car battery. A weak battery is the number one cause of breakdowns in winter. If your battery is more than four years old, have it tested at a workshop before a long trip.
- Lights and Visibility: Check all lights. Do the wipers work properly? Are the windows clean on the inside as well?
The Winter Emergency Kit: Your Savior in a Traffic Jam
Imagine being stuck in a snowstorm on the A8 at -5°C for three hours. An emergency kit is priceless in that moment. It belongs in your trunk:
- Warmth: One or two warm woolen blankets, extra gloves, a hat, and a thick sweater.
- Energy: At least 2 liters of water per person and high-energy, non-perishable snacks (granola bars, nuts, chocolate).
- Technology: A fully charged power bank for your phone, a flashlight (preferably a crank flashlight), and jumper cables.
- Winter Helpers: An ice scraper, a small brush for clearing snow, a small shovel, and possibly a bag of sand or cat litter for traction on ice.
Intelligent Route Planning
The fastest route in summer is rarely the safest in winter.
- Check the weather along the entire route: It's not enough to know the weather at your start and destination. Use a good weather app to check the forecast for key points on your route (e.g., Kassel, Munich, Hamburg).
- Avoid hazardous areas: If possible, avoid routes over high mountain passes or through known snowy regions (like the Harz or Thuringian Forest) if heavy snowfall is predicted.
- Have a Plan B: Save an alternative route that may be longer but runs over better-cleared, flatter motorways.
Phase 2: On the Road – The Art of Driving on Ice and Snow
Once you are on the road, your driving style is what matters. Forget haste and stress. Now, calmness, foresight, and gentle movements are what count.
The Golden Rule: Everything Gentle and Slow
Every movement—steering, braking, accelerating—must be slow and gentle. Sudden, jerky maneuvers on a slippery surface will immediately lead to a loss of control.
The 8-Second Rule: Distance is Your Life
Forget the 2-second rule. On a wet road, the braking distance doubles; on snow, it multiplies. Maintain a distance of at least 8 seconds from the car in front. This gives you time to react to unexpected braking or skidding.
Black Ice (Glatteis) – The Invisible Enemy
Black ice is most dangerous because you often can't see it. Be especially vigilant:
- Danger Zones: On bridges, in shaded forest sections, and where water runs across the road.
- Warning Signs: If the road looks wet and shiny, but there is no spray coming from the tires of the car in front, this is a major red flag!
How to Handle a Skid
If the rear of your car starts to slide (oversteer), panic is the wrong reaction.
- Take your foot off the gas and disengage the clutch.
- Do not brake!
- Gently steer in the direction the rear of the car is sliding (counter-steer). Always look where you want to go, not at the obstacle.
Conquering Hills
Uphill: Drive in a low gear with steady momentum to avoid losing traction. Starting on a hill requires a lot of sensitivity.
Downhill: Use engine braking (drive in a low gear). Brake only very gently and intermittently. Never brake hard in a curve.
Phase 3: What to Do When Nothing Moves – Stranded in the Snow
Despite the best planning, it can happen: a snowstorm paralyzes the motorway. Now your car is your shelter.
- Stay in the car: Do not leave your vehicle unless instructed to by emergency services. Outside, you are exposed to the cold and other dangers.
- Stay visible: Turn on your hazard lights.
- Keep the exhaust pipe clear: Regularly check that the exhaust pipe is free of snow. A blocked exhaust can cause poisonous carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle—a fatal risk!
- Conserve fuel: Run the engine sparingly (e.g., 10 minutes per hour) to use the heater and charge the battery.
- Stay warm: Now is the time for your emergency kit. Wrap yourself in blankets and put on warm clothes.
Conclusion: From Fear to Respect
A long car journey in winter doesn't have to be a nerve-wracking ordeal. It requires a different mindset: away from "as fast as possible" towards "as safe as possible." By preparing your car, driving with foresight, and respecting the weather, you transform a potentially dangerous journey into a manageable task. Check the forecast, pack wisely, and drive gently. Then you will not only arrive, but arrive relaxed.