With a lot of our clients planning on heading to the snow this season we thought we’d put together a Do’s and Dont’s of winter driving to ensure that drivers are prepared and stay as safe as possible.
Thankfully in Australia, we don’t experience the real winter extremes of Russia, Canada or Alaska, however driving in icy wet conditions anywhere can still be dangerous.
Don’t:
– Warm up your vehicle in an enclosed area
– Warm your car up for too long before driving (your engine will warm up faster and more efficiently driving)
– Apply hand brake when parking (break can freeze)
– Use cruise control
– Leave windscreen wipers down
– Risk driving without chains in 2 wheel drive vehicles (Check out here)
Do:
– Accelerate/Decelerate slowly to maintain traction and avoid skidding.
– Drive slowly
– Consider adding anti-freeze to your engine radiator
– Keep fuel levels topped up
– Use your lights
– Be conscious of Black Ice
– If driving a diesel vehicle, try and use ‘Alpine Diesel’ if available.
– Increase driving distances to other vehicles to allow for longer stopping times (5-6 seconds).
– If driving in snow, try to avoid unrequired stopping especially on inclines.
– Track weather reports
– Carry a torch (and spare batteries), blanket, dry, warm clothes, tow rope, shovel, wheel chocks, spare food and water, and a first-aid kit.
– Clear ice from windows and mirrors
– Engage 4×4 in snow or ice conditions
– Have your car serviced before embarking on your journey.
– Keep bottles of water in the car
Stay safe & enjoy your trip!
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