The expert spoke about the hidden dangers for drivers in the autumn-winter period.

The demi-season and winter frosts are always fraught with many hidden dangers for drivers. The weather is changing rapidly at this time, and it can be difficult to adapt to it. Sergey Demidov, Vice President of Renaissance Insurance, told Izvestia on November 23 why reagents are more dangerous than frost, how different types of brakes behave when weather conditions change, and what really affects driving safety in the off-season.

According to the expert, it should be remembered that the brakes work differently in the cold season. Low temperatures generally have a positive effect on the functioning of disc brakes, helping them cool down faster and preventing severe overheating. However, there is an important point to always keep in mind: most brake pads reach maximum braking performance at a certain temperature, so special care must be taken at the moment of the first braking after starting the car.

"When the car starts for the first time, for example, after parking overnight, the pads and brake discs are still cold, as a result of which the effectiveness of the first braking can be significantly reduced. Subsequently, this effect usually disappears almost immediately," the expert explained.

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He also recalled the danger of morning frosts, which strongly affect the road, as they can form a thin and imperceptible crust of ice on the roadway, which can significantly worsen driving conditions. In such a situation, the specialist recommends moving strictly within the maximum allowed speed or below.

"Vigilance should be maintained even when the air has already warmed up to a positive temperature, because this does not mean that the roadway has also completely thawed. Often, small icy areas remain under bridges, overpasses or in the shade of trees, which, if the driver is careless, can lead to a sudden loss of control," Demidov added.

He noted that an important danger factor in the off-season is also the deterioration of visibility, which can be created by snow, rain or fog. In the presence of heavy precipitation, it is especially important to observe the speed limit.

Another non—obvious off-season danger is the slippery road after treatment with reagents. In wet and chemically treated areas, under certain weather conditions, such as heavy snowfall, grip may drop even more than in untreated areas.

"This can play a critical role when braking in a traffic jam or at the entrance to intersections. So, the car can suddenly "float", even if the speed was relatively low. That is why it is important to avoid sudden braking during the cold season and, if possible, avoid heavily snow—covered sections of the roadway, especially when the road is wet or covered with reagents," the expert said.

A sudden change in the weather is especially dangerous, for example, sudden frosts. Many drivers prefer to wait until the last day in the fall or, conversely, to hurry up with changing tires for summer ones — even with suitable tires, you can get into an accident due to the fault of another driver.

Earlier, on November 12, auto expert Vadim Strelbitsky dispelled the myth of low reliability of modern automobile engines. The motors have not lost their reliability compared to engines of previous generations and differ in that they are more technologically advanced and demanding.

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