Liz Dobson - Cool tips for winter driving

As the weather cools and we face rain and snow, Liz Dobson has some tips on how to prevent your car slip sliding away.

On her way to work recently, a friend had a fender bender. She wasn’t travelling too close – she’s just not an experienced or confident driver and didn’t realize that winter conditions means changing your driving style.

With the roads still wet from a recent shower, her tyres didn’t grip as fast as she expected – and before she could say, “Oh bugger” she had hit the car in front.

While the car in front was damage-free, her hatchback added another dent to the front (told you she wasn’t a confident driver).

So here are tips for my friend and even experienced drivers on what you need to do to survive the winter – but sorry I don’t have any remedies for colds for man-flu.


Before you leave home:

• Make sure your windscreen wipers are in good conditions and are removing water efficiently.
• Give your tyres a once over – that that tread is 1.55mm (a match head), and they are pumped up to the correct pressure – check the owners’ manual.
• Give your front and back lights a clean – as they’ll be working overtime night and day.
• Lift up the bonnet and have a peak at your battery – make sure the connections are clean.

Drive safely:

• Keep the distance between you and the car in front – at least three car lengths (repeat after me: one elephant, two elephant...)
• Slow down in downpours – on the motorway police suggest you drive at 80km instead of 100km; on city or country roads, pull over if you’re not confident (yes, I’m still talking to you, my friend).
• A quick way to demist your front window is blast it with hot air, but wind down your driver window about 10cm.
• If you start to skid or aquaplane, steer the vehicle gently in the direction you want to go – a simple way is look at where you want to go, not where you think you are heading.  Don’t touch your brakes.
• Keep plenty of fuel in the tank – at least half full – as you never know when you will be stuck in traffic or have to make a detour to reach your destination.

Snow business:
As the ski season is about to start here are some tips before you don a beanie and make a snowman.

• If you’re heading to the ski sloops for the first time, practice putting on your snow chains before you leave home.
• Consider having your vehicle serviced before you head to Whakapapa or Coronet Peak.
• Check the weather forecast before you leave – and alter your plans because the conditions on the road can turn rotten faster than you can sing, “let it snow, let it snow, let it snow”.
• A good rule of thumb is to reduce speed by 50 percent in snowy conditions.
• Pack an Emergency Kit: Flashlight with spare batteries; ice scraper/brush for clearing your windshield; jumper cables; a spare jacket, blanket and work gloves.
• Whenever you park your car while it is snowing, raise your wipers off of the windshield of your car so the blades won't freeze to your windshield.