Driving in the snow?

You definitely need some snow-how to drive in Finland when it snows!

Here are some tools that can make your life a bit easier.

1) A car inner heater. Finnish cars are usually equipped with engine heater and a conventional electrical plug next to the copilot seat. That's meant to use only for this kind of device. If you're lucky enough to have an own parking spot with an electric outlet, your mornings will be easier!

2) A brush. Most of them have something on the other side to scratch your windows out of ice. And please, be good and clean all the windows! Visibility is crucial, don't think that brushing and scratching the windshield is enough, you need mirrors also in winter!


3) A shovel. Am I exaggerating? No I am not! If you're gonna leave the car in the street, even if it's for couple of hours you may well need it.

And now some practical advice if your car gets stuck in the snow (other than shovel a bit).

1. Keep the wheels straight.
2. Try to start with 2nd gear rather than 1st. You get a bit more torque an avoid revving the engine.
3. Go a bit back, then a bit forth, then a bit back, and then forth again.
4. If none of this works, use the carpets under the driving wheels.

If the conditions are bad, control your speed, keep extra safety distance, don't do sudden turns, don't do sudden speed changes, be extra careful with other cars, remember that the cars will skid sideways a bit without much control, and don't try to play to be a rally driver.

And if you feel you're not in control, you probably shouldn't be driving!