10 Tips for Driving During North Cyprus Winters

Here in North Cyprus we are extremely lucky in that our winters consist mainly of heavy rainfall that can make our roads as slick as heavy snow in other parts of the world. Only the highest mountain elevations may see snow, and if they do it is a rare occurrence. Driving in the winter in North Cyprus can be a challenge, but when you invest in a car from North Cyprus Car Hire during the winter months, you are investing in a vehicle that has been checked out and prepared for the nasty weather.
Driving in the winter anywhere around the world causes you to cope with road conditions that are less than favorable. Slick wet roads can be accompanied by fog, wet leaves and debris, glare from the head lights of other vehicles, wind and of course rain. Add to the weather hazards unfamiliarity with the roads, the vehicle and the possibility of suddenly driving on what you perceive as the ‘wrong side of the road’, winter travel in North Cyprus can turn into an adventure.
When you hire a car from North Cyprus Car Hire, we want you to have the best holiday possible. Here are a few tips to help you cope with winter driving in North Cyprus.
Tip #1:
Before setting out on your daily excursion, check the weather conditions
It’s a good idea to be informed about the weather before you set out site seeing. While the weather where you are staying may be warm and sunny it could be something completely different a few hours away. While you may not believe the weather can be that drastic, it can, especially when you travel from the coast to the higher elevation. To be prepared for a change in the weather is to be forearmed to deal with driving conditions.
Tip #2:
Maintain a safe distance between yourself and other vehicles
While you cannot control the driver behind you riding your bumper you can control your position on the road with the car in front of you. If the weather turns wet and rainy, slow down and maintain a safe distance between yourself and other vehicles. It takes longer to stop on a wet road than it does on a dry one. A car can easily hydroplane on a wet road and accidents can occur.
Tip #3:
Consider driving in a lower gear if the road is slick
Wet roads can get as slick as icy roads, especially if you are climbing a hill. Shift down into a lower gear to maintain connection with the road if you feel your vehicle slipping. Drive slower and take your time. Ease your foot off the gas and maintain a safe speed and distance.
Tip #4:
Keep your foot off the brake
Hydroplaning on a wet road can be caused by driving too fast and hitting the brakes. You can easily lose control of the vehicle and start to slide as if you were sliding on ice or snow. When this happens, take your foot off the gas and turn into the slide. Never slam on the brakes. This can make the slide worse. If you are driving a manual transmission, put the car into neutral to help slow it down so you can regain control.
Tip #5:
Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination
You are on holiday so there is absolutely no reason to be in a rush to go anywhere. When you make plans to visit someplace in North Cyprus make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get there. Even if the weather report says the day is going to be sunny and mild, it can change in a heartbeat. After all, you are vacationing on an island and you never know what type of weather may come in off the Mediterranean.
Tip #6:
Use your headlights
Because winter driving in North Cyprus consists of heavy rains you should always turn on your headlights so that other vehicles can see you and so you can see the road. Vision during rain storms becomes impaired, and when you add fog to the road conditions you need the extra light. If you are driving in foggy conditions, use fog lights if the car is equipped with them or keep your lights on the low setting. Putting your high beams on in fog will only cause the light to be reflected back at you. When the weather conditions improve and visibility is restored, turn the headlights off.
Tip #7:
Do not drive through flooded roads
There are areas in North Cyprus that flood in the winter due to the heavy rains. No matter what you do, do not drive through high water and flooded roads. High water and flooded roads can cause the car to flood and the engine to stop, leaving you stranded. If the water is high enough and moving at a fast enough pace, it could sweep you off the road all together. Instead, turn around and look for an alternate route to where you are going.
Tip #8:Keep an emergency kit in your car and make sure the vehicle has plenty of fuel
North Cyprus does not boast a lot of gas stations. Before you leave on your trip, make sure you have a full tank of fuel. It is also a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car that includes boots, warm clothing, blankets, a jacket that is highly visible and warm, and food and water. While North Cyprus Car Hire maintains their vehicles to ensure you do not get stranded, accidents can and do happen. It is better to be prepared and not need the emergency kit.
Tip #9:
Let someone know where you are going and when you have arrived
If you are visiting friends and relatives in North Cyprus during the winter, let them know where you are going if you take a day trip site seeing. Call them and let them know you have arrived safely at your destination and then when you leave to return home or to your hotel. You can also alert the hotel staff as to where you are going and the approximate time you will return. This way if something happens they can alert the proper authorities that something could be wrong.
Tip #10:
Keep North Cyprus Car Hire’s 24 hour service phone number with you at all times
When you rent a car from us we will provide you with 24 hour road side service if the car breaks down or is in an accident. We will bring you a new car hire and make sure you get back to where you are staying safely.