With cold snaps and heavy snow continuing this winter, drivers face greater need to check key vehicle components. With large day-to-night temperature swings, road conditions can change quickly, making thorough preparation important before long-distance travel.
Reborncar, a non-face-to-face, directly operated certified used-car platform, released a “safe drive checklist” on Tuesday with Lunar New Year holiday vehicle-care guidance and driving tips.
◆From tires to brakes: What to check first
For safer holiday travel, Reborncar said drivers should first inspect tires and braking systems. In winter, black ice can form in shaded curves and near tunnel entrances and exits. On black ice, drivers should avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking and keep a longer following distance.
To improve traction on icy roads, the company said winter tires that stay flexible at low temperatures can help. It also advised keeping tire pressure at the manufacturer’s recommended level and checking tread wear regularly. As a simple guide, it suggested inserting a 100-won coin upside down into the tread; if more than half of Adm. Yi Sun-sin’s hat is visible, drivers should consider replacing the tire.
Because calcium chloride used on winter roads can contribute to corrosion, Reborncar recommended regular car washes and checking brake pads and discs in advance. It also urged drivers to check battery condition, as heater and heated-seat use increases power consumption in winter.
Reborncar advised topping off windshield washer fluid because slush can reduce visibility, and replacing wiper blades if they make noise. It also said drivers should confirm that lights, including headlights, are working properly.
◆If trouble hits on the highway: Emergency response tips
On return trips that often involve long hours and congestion, Reborncar said it is important to know what to do in emergencies. If a vehicle breaks down or a crash forces a stop on an expressway, the risk of secondary accidents rises. The company recommended using the Korea Expressway Corp.’s “expressway emergency towing service,” which provides free towing to a nearby safe area such as a rest stop or drowsy-driving shelter.
If a vehicle catches fire while driving, it said to pull over, shut off the engine, move to a safe distance and call 119. If the fire is inside the engine compartment, it warned drivers not to open the hood because oxygen can increase the risk of an explosion. It advised leaving the key inside, not locking the doors and evacuating quickly. Keeping a fire extinguisher in the vehicle can help with initial response, it added.
Reborncar also said drivers should check their auto insurance coverage before departure in case they need to switch drivers during a long trip. By adding a short-term driver expansion rider through an insurer’s app or call center, family members or acquaintances can be covered, it said.
To reduce fatigue, it recommended taking a break at least every two hours, stretching and ventilating the vehicle.
◆Used-car checks: Diagnostics and direct operations
For consumers considering buying a used car around the holiday, Reborncar said vehicle condition should be reviewed more carefully to prepare for long-distance driving.
The company said it operates RTC (Reborncar Trust Center), which it described as the country’s largest reconditioning center, and that it has received certification from global quality certification body TÜV SÜD for six consecutive years. It said it conducts detailed diagnostics using its patented RQI (Reborncar Quality Inspection) standards to secure safety before delivery and to reduce potential risks during long trips.
Reborncar said it also runs a structured delivery process, rechecking key safety-related parts such as tires and engine oil through its “安心 출고 서비스” just before handover. It also offers an “extended warranty service” that guarantees repair or replacement of major parts for 180 days with no mileage limit.
“During holiday periods, long-distance driving becomes more common, so basic inspections and knowing emergency response steps in advance can be a big help,” a Reborncar official said. “Based on our direct-operation system, we will create an environment where customers buying used cars can travel with greater peace of mind.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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