Help
Customer Care:
| 
Help
The thought of zipping through the mountains can let the chills run through your veins. That lovely passion of driving through the giant Himalayan ranges via Srinagar or Manali undoubtedly gives a macho feel to a driver. Be it you, me or any other auto-enthu, driving unprecedented machines like Pajero or Thar 4X4 up at an elevation of 10,000 feet plus is quite a daredevil’s job. But before you touch those creepy mountains, there is an ALERT! Are you people fully prepared to do that ‘Snow Driving’ thing? Well, here are some helpful tips that you must keep in mind before you hit those Himalayan terrains.
Things to carry while going for driving in snow:
● Snow Chains (as you might need them)
● Anti-freeze windshield washer
● A small snowplough (incase your car gets stuck in snow)
● A brush to remove the snow after it collects on the car when parked outside
● An extra pair of gloves
● Water bottles
● First aid kit (as in cold conditions even a small cut or bruise pains a lot)
● Heater in working condition
● Ample warm clothes
● Compass
● Flashlight with extra pair of batteries
● Last but not the least, keep spare set of tyres
Tips for the car:
● The car should be tuneup to ensure better handling and driving in the terrain.
● Let the engine warm up for a couple of minutes before and after the drive.
● Make sure that the engine oil you used can manage the freezing temperature.
● Get a good car wash inside and outside as the roads might contain salt or sand for extra traction which is not good for metal.
● Preferably use winter tyres as they are better than summer or all weather tyres, if temperature drops below 7 degree celsius.
How to manage while out in the snow:
● While scenery is bound to be beautiful, it can also be fatal when you pay attention to it and not on driving.
● If possible, get a 4×4 wheel drive when you are out driving in the Himalayas. Or even a good small FWD car will do it for you.
● In case if you have to rent a car, then go for a car which has high ground clearance.
● Drive slowly and apply brake slowly to avoid skidding.
● Keep safe distance and keep your steering as steady as possible.
● Strictly follow the tyre marks that were left by the previous vehicles.
● Keep the lights “ON” to increase the visibility in evening and night times. You might require them in daytime too.
● Use low gears to keep traction.
● Stick to your lane while in mountains. Well, this is the “mool mantra” or say our “tyre mantra” to drive in the Himalayas.
● While driving downhill, avoid driving at high speed.
● In case if you are stuck in the snow, never spin your wheel because this will dig you deeper. Just turn your front wheels side to side a few times to push snow out of the way. Use shovel to clear snow away for the rear wheel. Pouring salt in the path of the wheels can help your vehicle get the traction, but that’s a diffcult task we think.
Having done and observed all these things we are sure you are going to have a great time in the great Himalayas.
Happy Driving!!
This is the most informative article about the trip to Ladakh and the Things to carry while going for driving in snow, the tips for the car and How to manage while out in the snow. Thanks for all the tips. It is really helpful.