FAQ
Buying a car
When buying a used car, you should inspect the car carefully for rust. Look under the car and along the wheel arches, door edges, and under the door frames. Use a flashlight to illuminate dark areas. You can also use a magnet to check if a lot of filler has used instead of metal, which may indicate previous rust repairs. It is also a good idea to have a mechanic inspect the car for hidden rust damage.
Car care
When buying a used car, you should inspect the car carefully for rust. Look under the car and along the wheel arches, door edges, and under the door frames. Use a flashlight to illuminate dark areas. You can also use a magnet to check if a lot of filler has used instead of metal, which may indicate previous rust repairs. It is also a good idea to have a mechanic inspect the car for hidden rust damage.
Rust protection and treatment on electric vehicles requires special considerations. Although many electric vehicles have parts made of aluminum and other non-ferrous materials that are less prone to rust, they still have steel parts that can rust. It is important to use rust protection products that are compatible with electrical components and to avoid moisture in areas where the batteries and electronics are located. Regular inspection and maintenance are just as important for electric vehicles as it is for fossil fuel vehicles to ensure longevity and safety.
Properly preparing your car for winter and snowy road conditions is important for both safety and driving comfort. A well-prepared car improves visibility, traction, and reliability in cold and slippery conditions.
Electric car
The battery performs worse in the cold, the air is denser, and the car has to heat the cabin – all of this increases energy consumption.
Rust protection and treatment on electric vehicles requires special considerations. Although many electric vehicles have parts made of aluminum and other non-ferrous materials that are less prone to rust, they still have steel parts that can rust. It is important to use rust protection products that are compatible with electrical components and to avoid moisture in areas where the batteries and electronics are located. Regular inspection and maintenance are just as important for electric vehicles as it is for fossil fuel vehicles to ensure longevity and safety.
In general, an electric car’s range decreases by about 20–40% in sub-zero temperatures, but in very cold conditions the range can be reduced by as much as 50%.
Insurance
In many cases, yes. Comprehensive insurance (especially full coverage) and its towing cover may cover towing if the car is left stranded due to a technical fault or damage. If you’re unsure what your policy covers, Viking can help you figure it out.
Many policies’ roadside assistance cover may include help on the roadside, such as fitting the spare tyre or repairing the tyre. If there’s no spare tyre or the tyre is badly damaged, we can also arrange towing.
In many comprehensive insurance policies, jump-start assistance is included in the roadside assistance cover. Coverage may vary depending on the insurer and your policy level.
Laws and regulations
As a rule of thumb, short headlights should be switched back on two car lengths away from another car. This will minimise glare from oncoming cars and maintain good visibility once you have passed each other.
Booster cushions (backless boosters) are legal for larger children, but they are generally not the safest option for younger children.
ECE R44 and ECE R129 are international safety standards for child car seats.
Road Safety
Most children will use three different types of car seats as they grow: infant car seat, toddler car seat and booster seat.
As a rule of thumb, short headlights should be switched back on two car lengths away from another car. This will minimise glare from oncoming cars and maintain good visibility once you have passed each other.
When travelling by car, the dog must always be secured in the car with a harness or travel in a transport cage.
Vehicle technology
“Xenon” is the established name for the entire system, even though the light is produced by the interaction of xenon gas and metal halides. Unlike incandescent bulbs, xenon bulbs do not have a filament; instead, the light is produced by an electric arc inside the bulb.
In recent years, LED lights have become increasingly common in cars. LED stands for Light Emitting Diode, which produces light in an energy-efficient manner. The color tone is determined by the material used.
Some car manufacturers have begun experimenting with lasers as light sources for their headlights.
Currently, this technology is only available in a few very expensive car models, but lasers may become more common in the coming years.