Your skis are waiting in the hallway, the accommodation is booked, and your car has a snowy mountain road to climb with a boot full of luggage. Car preparation for a ski trip only takes an afternoon. But here's the thing! Miss something important, and your holiday could be over before you've even made it round the bends above Bansko or Borovets. And I really don't want that happening to you.
Are your tyres ready for the snow?
Your winter tyres need at least 4 mm of tread, and the tyre pressures should match the manufacturer's recommendations for a fully loaded car. On snow, a good winter tyre and one with worn tread are worlds apart. I'm telling you this because your tyres are what keep you on the road. Please don't cut corners here.
Have you packed your snow chains?
Keep your snow chains in the car and make sure they're exactly the right size for your tyres. Have a go at fitting them at home first, somewhere dry and well-lit. Trust me, you don't want your first attempt to be in the dark, stuck in the snow. One more thing: not every car or tyre size can take snow chains. Check your owner's manual before you set off.
Have you checked all the fluids?
- Winter screenwash that won't freeze in extremely low temperatures.
- Check your antifreeze. It needs to protect the cooling system down to at least -25°C.
- If you drive a diesel, fill up with winter-grade diesel before heading up into the mountains.
Where are you going to put your skis and luggage?
Ideally, carry your skis in a roof box or on a dedicated ski rack. Don't leave them loose inside the car. If you brake hard, they can fly forwards and become dangerous. And check your owner's manual for the maximum permitted roof load. Don't exceed it.
Will your battery start the car at -15°C?
Cold weather takes some of the strength out of your battery. If it's already getting weak, you could wake up to -15°C one morning and find that your car simply won't start. That's why I'd check the battery before the trip, especially if it's more than four years old. Better to find out it's struggling while you're still in Sofia, wouldn't you agree?
Never drive with snow chains on dry tarmac, and never exceed their permitted speed limit. The chains can snap and damage the wheel arch or brake hoses. And that's when things get expensive.
A tip from Kris Mladenov: Pop a pair of gloves, a head torch and something to kneel on into the boot. If you end up fitting snow chains in the dark, surrounded by snow, you'll be very glad you brought them. Small things, but they make a huge difference.
If you've got a ski holiday coming up, bring your car to Das Auto Service for a winter check. You can also have a look at the snow chains and roof racks in our shop. I want you heading off relaxed and properly prepared, not halfway up the mountain wondering what you've forgotten.
What you'll find in our shop
Audi comfort-class snow chains for tyre sizes 225/50 R17, 225/45 R18, 215/55 R17 and 205/55 R17
Audi comfort-class snow chains are quick to fit and suit the tyre sizes used on many models.
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Audi ski rack for 4 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards
The Audi ski rack holds 4 pairs of skis or 2 snowboards. That way, you can carry them securely on the roof instead of inside the car.
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Audi 250 l roof box for luggage and skis, brilliant black
The Audi 250 l roof box takes your skis and all that extra luggage you can't fit in the boot.
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Audi Antifrost winter screenwash concentrate, 1 l
Audi Antifrost winter screenwash concentrate is made for cold mountain weather and helps stop your screenwash from freezing.
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- Everything for winter in our shop
- Roof racks and carriers in our shop
- Snow chains for Audi quattro: when do you need them and which ones fit?
- Carrying skis in your car: ski bag, rack or roof box?
- Diesel at -15°C: fuel, filter and preheating
Frequently asked questions
Do I need snow chains if I have winter tyres?
Yes, definitely keep a set in the car. Even with good winter tyres, you might come across a stretch of road where snow chains are compulsory.
What's the best way to carry my skis?
In a roof box or on a dedicated ski rack. Just don't leave them loose inside the car.
What screenwash should I use in the mountains?
Fill up with winter screenwash that won't freeze even when the temperature drops well below zero.