Winter is officially here, along with cold nights, dark mornings, Ugg boots and comfort food! Although in Australia we generally use the same tyres all year round (unlike many parts of the world where they are changed to suit the seasons) – different weather conditions and a drop in temperatures also have implications for our vehicles and safety on the roads. So, before you head off on a trip (whether it’s a weekend away or just to pick up your next takeaway!) here are some easy things you can do to ensure that you have a safe ride.
Checking your tyres is a great place to start…
Having the correct tyre pressure is a must for good traction and road holding at all times of the year. This information can easily be found on the panel on the tyre placard which is usually found inside of the driver’s door. If you’re heading off on a long trip with a loaded car or towing a caravan, boat or trailer – your pressures may need to be increased. Again, check your vehicle’s tyre placard for details. Most local servo’s have inflation pumps and gauges which are quick and easy to use. Also keep a regular eye on the tread wear and for any damage or embedded items (such as a nail) – you definitely don’t want to have a flat tyre on a cold wintry day or night!
Slow down…
Roads can get very slippery especially when there hasn’t been rain for a while or there is ice on the road. If it’s black ice on dark or shady roads you won’t always know it’s there (unless your dashboard has an ice warning light) until your vehicle starts to skid. So, particularly when it’s raining or you’re driving in the frosty early mornings, slow down! That way you’ll be better able to control your vehicle in all conditions.
De-mist and defrost your windscreen and windows…
It’s inconvenient getting into your car on a cold winter’s morning not being able to see out and good visibility is vital for road safety. So it’s really important to take a few minutes to hit the de-mist button before setting off. If there’s ice or frost on the windscreen you may need an ice scraper or water to remove it, but never use boiling water! If your vehicle fogs up while you’re in transit, use the de-mister and if necessary, pull over to the side of the road.
If you’re going to the snow…
It’s a legal requirement to carry show chains when entering some snow resorts during the snow season. However, don’t use them unless the conditions are right – or you may cause damage to your tyres. It’s also advisable to carry essentials such as a torch (in case you need to fit snow chains in low-light conditions) a shovel, an ice scraper (for the windscreen) and antifreeze (if required for your vehicle). If you’re not sure about this last one, take a look in your owner’s manual or get it checked by a mechanic or someone else in the know before you depart – you don’t want damage to your engine by the freezing temperatures. Your battery is always put to the test in very low temperatures — so check it’s in good condition prior to your departure. And if, you’re driving a 4×4, you can’t go wrong with a recovery track on board!
