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Careful preparation of your car for a mountain holiday directly contributes to your safety and enjoyment of the trip. Steep slopes, sharp bends, and varying weather conditions demand more from your vehicle than daily drives on flat roads. With the right checks and equipment, you can prevent unexpected problems and fully enjoy the views. We’ve listed the most important points for your attention.
The technical inspection: the foundation for a safe journey
Before you venture into the mountains, a thorough technical inspection of your car is essential. Your car will be under heavier strain when climbing and descending. Therefore, start with the most stressed components. Carefully check the brakes. Both the brake pads and the brake fluid must be in good condition. During long descents, the brakes become extremely hot, and worn components can then lose their effectiveness.
The tyres are your only contact with the road and deserve extra attention. Ensure sufficient tread depth; a minimum of 3 millimetres is a good guideline for mountain driving, even if the legal limit is lower. Check the tyre pressure when the tyres are cold. Adjust the pressure for a heavier load, as indicated in your car’s owner’s manual. Good tyres provide grip on winding and potentially wet mountain roads. Don’t forget the fluids either. Check the levels of engine oil, screen wash, and especially the coolant. The engine has to work harder while climbing, causing the temperature to rise. Sufficient coolant prevents overheating.
‘ A spare wheel or a tyre repair kit is essential. ’
Mandatory safety equipment in the car
In many European countries, basic safety equipment is mandatory. Although the rules vary by country, it’s wise to always have a few items in your car. This prevents fines. Furthermore, you will be well prepared in case of a breakdown or accident. Countries like Austria and Switzerland have strict rules.
Ensure the following items are within easy reach:
- Warning triangle: Mandatory almost everywhere in Europe. In case of a breakdown, place it at a sufficient distance behind the car to warn other traffic.
- Safety vest: A reflective safety vest is mandatory for the driver in many countries, including Austria. It is recommended to have a vest for every occupant in the car. Keep the vests in the glove compartment or door pocket, not in the boot.
- First-aid kit: In countries like Austria, a first-aid kit is mandatory. Check the expiry date of its contents.
Always check the specific requirements of the countries you are travelling through before departure. This way, you can be sure that you comply with local legislation.
What extra items should you take for the mountains?
In addition to the mandatory equipment, there are a number of items that are useful to bring. A spare wheel or a tyre repair kit is essential. A flat tyre in a remote mountain area can significantly disrupt your journey. A compact jack and a wheel wrench complete the set. Also, consider a torch with full batteries, jump leads, and an extra litre of engine oil and coolant. In the mountains, the weather can change quickly, even in summer. A blanket, water, and some snacks are not an unnecessary luxury if you unexpectedly break down.
Winter conditions: snow chains and winter tyres
When travelling to the mountains in the winter months or early spring, winter tyres are often mandatory. These tyres offer significantly more grip at low temperatures than summer tyres. Pay attention to the regulations per country; in Germany and Austria, winter tyres are mandatory in winter conditions. A tyre with the Alpine symbol (a mountain with a snowflake) meets the strictest requirements.
Snow chains are an addition to winter tyres and are mandatory on some mountain passes, indicated by a round, blue traffic sign. Make sure you have the correct size snow chains for your tyres. It is highly recommended to practise fitting them at home beforehand. In the cold and snow at the side of the road, it is not a pleasant task to figure out how they work for the first time. Place them in a convenient spot in the boot so you can easily access them.
Practical tips for driving and parking
Driving in the mountains requires a different approach than on flat roads. When descending, use the engine’s braking effect by driving in a low gear. The rule of thumb is to descend in the same gear you would use to climb. This prevents the brakes from overheating. Anticipate well ahead and maintain sufficient distance from the vehicle in front.
Parking on a slope also requires extra attention. Always apply the handbrake and engage a gear (first gear if parking uphill, reverse if parking downhill). Turn the front wheels towards the kerb when parking downhill, and away from the kerb when parking uphill. If the car were to roll, it would roll against the kerb instead of into the road. An old trick remains effective: place a stone or a wheel chock behind one of the wheels for extra security.
If your car is well prepared, you will have peace of mind and confidence on the road. You can fully focus on the journey. The impressive landscapes, challenging roads, and special destinations give a car holiday in the mountains its value. This practical preparation makes a safe and comfortable journey possible.
At Traveler Tips, you will find many more detailed articles about the most beautiful car routes, traffic rules per country, and handy checklists for your luggage. Discover how to plan and experience your next road trip even better on our website. Travel with more confidence than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
Essential technical checks include checking and topping up, if necessary, engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and windscreen washer fluid. Check the condition and tread depth of the tyres (preferably summer or all-season tyres suitable for mountainous terrain) and the tyre pressure, including the spare tyre. Inspect the brakes for signs of wear, pay attention to strange noises or vibrations when braking, and check that the handbrake works correctly. Finally, check the operation of all lights, windscreen wipers, and the condition of the battery, ensuring the car functions reliably on steep slopes and potentially extreme weather conditions.
For a mountain holiday in many countries (such as Austria, Switzerland, and France), approved snow chains, a warning triangle, safety vests, and a first-aid kit are mandatory or highly recommended. In addition, winter or all-season tyres with sufficient tread, a tow rope, jump leads, and an ice/snow scraper are important. An emergency kit with warm blankets or clothing, a torch, water, and some food is also advisable in mountainous areas. Always check the current mandatory equipment per country (e.g., via ANWB or local traffic services), as rules vary by country and sometimes by season.
Choose tyres with sufficient tread (at least 3 mm, preferably 4 mm) and preferably all-season or summer tyres with good grip and braking performance in mountainous terrain; in wintry or colder conditions, winter tyres or 4-season tyres with a snowflake symbol (3PMSF) are highly recommended. Adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended tyre sizes and specifications (speed and load index), as the car is designed with these for safe behaviour, even on long descents and under higher loads. Set the tyre pressure according to the values on the sticker in the door jamb or fuel filler flap, and use the higher (fully laden/motorway) value if you are entering the mountains with a full car and luggage. Always check and correct the pressure when the tyres are cold, and do this regularly during the journey as temperature and altitude differences affect the pressure.
Load the heaviest luggage as low and as close to the centre of the car as possible (preferably directly behind the rear seat) and distribute the weight as evenly as possible left/right. Adhere to the maximum permissible payload and avoid excessive nose weight if you are driving with a roof box or trailer. Ensure that windows, mirrors, and especially the rear window remain completely clear for good visibility. Secure loose items with tie-down straps or a cargo net so that they do not shift during an emergency stop or in bends.
Before departure, definitely check the oil level, coolant, and brake fluid, as the engine and brakes are placed under extra heavy strain in the mountains. Also, pay attention to windscreen washer fluid with antifreeze, to maintain good visibility in dirt and grit. Furthermore, the condition and pressure of the tyres (preferably all-season or winter tyres) and the condition of the brakes and lighting are essential. Finally, check that the battery is in good condition, as cold temperatures and intensive use in the mountains place extra demands on the electrical systems.
