Ukrainian winter can bring many surprises for drivers. It could be heavily raining in the morning with temperatures dropping dramatically in the evening, transforming major roads into bobsled tracks. Make sure your car is prepared for cold temperatures and wintery conditions like snow and ice. Keep your equipment properly maintained and include a winter survival kit in your vehicle: an ice scraper, snow shovel and sand/salt.
It is very important to put winter season tires on your car and check their protector surface. It is a good idea to buy a new pair of winter tires every 2 or 3 seasons, depending on the condition of the protector on tires.
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Drive with your headlights on even during the daytime. Make sure to keep the headlights and anti-fog lights clean to improve visibility. Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season. This helps ensure you have a source of heat if you are stuck. Keep your windshield washer reservoir full, and make sure your car has wiper blades that are in good condition.
Know how to brake on slippery surfaces. Vehicles with anti-lock brakes operate much differently from those that do not have anti-lock brakes. You should consult your vehicle's owner's manual for instructions on how to brake properly if your vehicle should start to skid.
It is also a good idea to map out your route before you head out, try to avoid steep hills and serpentines. Be cautious on bridges and overpasses as they are commonly the first areas to become icy. Monitor road and weather conditions by checking local news stations or Internet traffic and weather sites.
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Falling snow can be picturesque and romantic, but it can also bring havoc on the roads. It can get really challenging to drive in snowy or slippery conditions, however there are some steps a smart driver can take to help improve his/her own safety as well as safety of the passengers. Destinations rounded up a list of winter driving tips to help you survive severe Ukrainian driving conditions.
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