Winter is coming: here are 3 things to remember
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The winter season is already here, but there is still no snow in sight, not everyone in the lowlands. Although Kredarica, Vršič and other higher-lying places are completely covered in snow, elsewhere the weather is still autumn and a bit too warm. But beware! The use of winter tires or chains is already mandatory.
What should we think about in connection with the coldest season and our vehicle? Here are three extremely important things:
- Changing your tires: if you haven’t changed them yet, don’t delay. 4 M+S winter tires with a 3 mm profile or a combination of summer tires with a 3 mm profile and snow chains are mandatory.
- Chains, shovel: although they are not mandatory (if we have winter tires installed), it is definitely worthwhile to throw chains and a shovel in the trunk on days when it snows heavily. This will be used for shoveling snow (you never know when you will encounter a snowdrift), and the chains are intended to give the tires a better grip on the road when even the winter tires are no longer helpful. Before using the chain, be sure to try putting it on the plenums at home, because their installation is often not the easiest.
- Be careful on the road: driving in snowy conditions and on snowy or icy roads is not normal and routine. The driver should pay more attention to other road users, and adjust the driving speed to the road conditions. Before driving in snowy conditions, be sure to check the quality of the battery, the wipers and the operation of the lights.
We remind you: in Slovenia, winter equipment (4 M+S winter tires, 3mm profile, or summer tires, 3mm profile, + chains) is mandatory from November 15 to March 15. The same rules apply to driving all four wheels, the chains must be on two permanently engaged drive wheels. Compulsory winter equipment is prescribed everywhere except in the coastal zone.
Mandatory winter equipment in neighboring countries
Austria: Winter gear is mandatory from 1 November to 15 April. It consists of 4 winter tires (profile 4 mm) or summer tires (profile 4 mm) and chains on the drive wheels. Attention: chains can only be on the wheels when there is snow or ice on the road. In case of slush, chains are not allowed, nor is driving with summer tires allowed. In all higher lying areas (marked), chains are also mandatory on winter tires.
Italy: Winter gear is mandatory from 1 November to 15 April, in some places it starts earlier or later. Winter tires and snow chains are mandatory in the equipment. On higher roads, in case of heavy snowfall, chains are also mandatory on winter tires (appropriately marked).
Hungary: In this country, the use of winter equipment is not timed. In case of heavy snowfall or a large amount of snow on the road, the use of chains on the drive wheels is mandatory. The relevant authorities can request chains already upon crossing the state border.
Croatia: winter equipment is mandatory between November 15 and April 15, regardless of driving conditions and whenever it snows. Mandatory winter equipment includes 4 M+S winter or all-season tires or a combination of 4 all-season tires with a minimum profile of 4 mm and chains on the drive wheels.
If you will rent a vehicle from us (Agio), don’t worry. The vehicles are fully equipped, comfortable and insured – even for traveling abroad.
We wish you safe driving!
