Three elements to ensure winter driving safety

Tyres, shock absorbers and brakes are the three basic elements that the workshop must check to ensure safe winter driving.

First, tyres are the only point of contact between the vehicle and the road. Their adherence is reduced in rain, snow or ice, so they must be in perfect condition and with a minimum depth of 1.6 mm. We recommended changing them at 3mm, as the shorter the depth, the greater the braking distance. The pressure must be correct (if it is too low it closes the drainage channels) and they must be well aligned for better steering.

The importance of the suspension system

As for the shock absorbers, they maintain stability, provided they are in good condition. If worn, they increase braking distance. Going further, regular checking of the suspension and steering assembly is indispensable. The consequences for road safety of failures in these systems can be fatal, which is why the workshop must invest time in informing customers.

On the other hand, with today’s vehicles, repair of these systems and precise wheel alignment have become far more complicated. Therefore, a good knowledge of the operation of modern wheel suspensions and the interaction of the individual components is necessary to diagnose and avoid possible damage. Among the components to be analysed in detail are the cups, arms, dust caps, retaining rings, rubber bellows and ball joints.

Brakes, another essential element

Finally, it is essential that the brakes are in perfect condition to respond accurately in adverse weather conditions. Discs, pads and fluid level should be checked.

Regular checking of the suspension and steering assembly is indispensable, as well as of brakes and tyres.

Brake discs should be checked every 20,000 kilometres and before long journeys, taking into account the condition of the discs, their thickness and the braking surface. When changing these, the brake pads and hoses should also be replaced, and this should be done for each axle, to ensure balanced braking and guarantee the vehicle’s stability

The brake pads must have a minimum thickness of 2 millimetres, while the brake fluid must be changed every two years, or between 40,000 and 60,000 kilometres.

These three elements make up the so-called “safety triangle”, given the importance of their good condition and correct maintenance for the safety of the driver and passengers.

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