When the temperatures drop and snow blankets the roads, driving on Australia’s snowy terrain can be a real challenge. Slippery surfaces, reduced visibility, and cold weather can make driving even more hazardous.
So how do you stay prepared and safe on those frosty winter roads?
Wangara Tyre & Auto is here to help with this winter driving guide. In this blog, we’ll provide you with the tips to keep you safe on roads this winter.
Additionally, we offer top-quality 4×4 tyres for sale from leading brands, equipped with the latest technologies to enhance your snow drive experience. With our premium tyres, you’ll enjoy the best traction and control, making it easier to conquer Australia’s snowy and icy terrains.
Let’s explore the winter driving tips to help you navigate the snow safely.
11 Tips for Safe Winter Driving in Australia
While winter in most parts of Australia is relatively mild, some regions can experience harsh weather. Thus, it becomes important to be prepared for the road ahead. Follow the expert tips given below to make your winter drive safe and stress-free.
1. Get Your Vehicle Ready Before Hitting the Winter Roads
There are certain things to consider when preparing your car for the winter weather conditions:
- Choose the Right Vehicle & the Right Tyres
If you’re planning a road trip through Australia’s snowy terrain, consider an SUV, 4×4 or a vehicle with advanced safety features that handle rough conditions better.
Moreover, winter roads demand the best from your tyres. Invest in snow-ready tyres or winter tyres that provide optimal grip and durability in icy or snowy conditions. Wangara Tyre & Auto offers high-performance 4WD and 4×4 tyres designed to handle slippery surfaces with ease.
- Check Your Tyre Pressure Regularly
Cold weather can cause tyre pressure to drop. This low pressure reduces traction and affects your car’s control. So, regularly check your tyres and ensure they are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure to maintain performance on icy roads.
- Inspect Your Battery, Lights, Windshield & Wipers
Cold temperatures can weaken your car battery. Test it to ensure its fully charged. Additionally, clear visibility is important for driving in dim or foggy conditions. So, make sure all lights are functioning properly.
Moreover, a clean windshield helps ensuring safe drive. Replace worn wiper blades and keep your windshield clear of frost or snow to maintain optimal visibility.
- Always Keep Your Fuel Tank Full
It’s always a good idea to keep your fuel tank full, especially during winter. Road delays or detours due to unexpected weather can be common, and having a full tank ensures you’re prepared for any unforeseen circumstances along the way.
- Carry Snow Chains for Alpine Areas
In some parts of Australia, particularly in alpine regions, you may be required to have snow chains in your vehicle. These chains enhance your tyre’s grip in icy conditions. If you’re driving a four-wheel drive, snow chains should be fitted to the two driving wheels.
Remember, snow chains should never be driven faster than 40 km/h.
Here’s a checklist for snow chain use:
- Practice fitting the chains before your trip.
- Use diamond pattern snow chains for better traction.
- Only fit them to the driving wheels (refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines).
- Fit chains at fitting bays on level ground.
- If chains loosen or fall off while driving, stop and check for damage before re-fitting.
- Carry a torch, plastic garbage bags, and gloves to make fitting easier.
- Ensure your tyres are in good condition with minimal wear.
2. Be Prepared for Emergencies
To avoid winter driving mishaps, get yourself prepared before heading towards cold slippery roads.
Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle with essentials like a flashlight, blankets, snacks, water, and a first-aid kit. These items can make all the difference if you find yourself stuck or in need of assistance in harsh conditions.
Weather can change quickly, especially during winter, so it’s important to stay updated with the weather forecast before you hit the road. Always check the weather and road conditions to understand what you’re up against. Avoid unnecessary travel if a snowstorm or extreme weather is expected, as it can make driving dangerous and challenging.
Keeping an eye on local alerts and updates will help you plan your trip better.
3. Research on Your Travel Destination
Before heading out on your winter journey, it’s important to research the areas you’ll be traveling to.
Will you encounter snow? How far do you need to go, and what’s the condition of the roads along the way? While many parts of Australia experience relatively mild winters, certain regions can face extreme weather conditions.
So, knowing what to expect in advance can help you prepare better and choose the right vehicle for the trip.
4. Drive Slowly and Smoothly
When driving in winter conditions, be gentle with the steering wheel, accelerator, and brakes.
Quick or jerky movements can easily cause your tyres to lose grip on slippery roads. This can further lead to skids or loss of control. Every adjustment you make should be gradual and deliberate. Even if you’re familiar with the road, always drive a bit slower and ease off from traffic lights or intersections more gradually.
Imagine you’re carrying a hot cup of coffee in your lap. You wouldn’t want to spill it. So, you drive with that same careful approach.
5. Maintain a Safe Distance
During wet or slippery conditions, it’s key to maintain more space between your vehicle and others. Wet roads increase your stopping distance. So, keep at least a four-second gap between you and the car in front. This extra space gives you more time to react in case of sudden stops or emergencies.
6. Avoid Sudden Brakes, Turns & Movements
Quick, sudden movements on the road can lead to skidding or loss of control. This includes sharp turns, heavy braking, or rapid acceleration.
So, brake gently and evenly to maintain better control. Whenever possible, use engine braking. This brake allows you to slow down smoothly without applying pressure to the brake pedal.
Pro Tip: If your car does start to skid, release pressure on the accelerator and steer carefully. When driving on inclines, gently accelerate to avoid spinning your wheels. On downhill stretches, use low gears to control your speed rather than relying only on brakes.
7. Use your headlights wisely
Check that all your headlights and indicator lights before you head out.
In areas where visibility is poor, make sure your headlights are on low beam. If you need to stop for any reason, remember to turn on your hazard lights.
Moreover, when driving in fog, rain, snow, or dusty conditions, on your headlights, not just your parking lights, and make sure they are correctly adjusted. It’s often better to manually switch on your headlights instead of relying on automatic settings in these conditions.
Pro Tip: Even if you don’t need your headlights for visibility, use them to help other drivers see you more easily. This allows them to judge your distance and speed better.
8. When in Doubt, Pull Over
In rainy conditions, use your air conditioner to keep your windscreen clear of fog. But if the weather gets so bad that you can’t see the edges of the road or other vehicles from a safe distance, it’s best to pull over and wait for the weather to improve.
9. Be Aware of Black Ice
Black ice is invisible and forms on the road surface. Its invisibility makes it more dangerous. So, drive cautiously, especially in conditions where black ice could form, like early mornings, at night, or in shaded areas where the sun doesn’t reach. Always drive at a safe speed to prevent skidding.
Here are a few tips to help you stay safe:
- Check for black ice warnings on sites.
- If you can, delay your trip until conditions improve.
- If you must drive, give yourself extra time and drive carefully.
- Slow down and be patient when driving in icy conditions.
- If your car has Electronic Stability Control (ESC), use it to help stay safe.
What to Do If You Hit Black Ice
If you drive onto black ice, you can lose control of your vehicle. Here’s how to handle it:
- Try not to make any sudden movements with the accelerator, brakes, or steering wheel.
- Avoid hard braking or sharply turning the wheel, as this can increase the risk of spinning out.
- Keep a steady grip on the wheel and steer as smoothly as possible until you’re clear of the ice patch.
10. Check Your Insurance for Snow Line Driving
Double-check your insurance coverage to ensure you’re protected when driving above the snow line.
You might need to buy additional insurance to cover potential damage. Many rental companies require customers to add snow cover if they’re planning to drive in these regions.
11. Invest in Snow-ready Tyres for Winter Driving
Tyres are your only point of contact with the surfaces you’re driving over. So, it makes sense that their condition and type are important to safe driving in all conditions.
In Australia, where winters can be cold and wet, the right tyres can make all the difference.
What Makes Snow-Ready Tyres Different?
It’s a common misconception that winter tyres and snow-ready tyres are the same. While winter tyres are designed for countries with harsh, long winters, snow-ready tyres are specially made to suit Australia’s milder winter conditions. These tyres are built to perform well in cold weather while maintaining their effectiveness in more temperate climates.
If you see a tyre with a ‘three-peak mountain snowflake‘ (3PMSF) symbol, it means it meets the required standards for snow driving. Let’s see the common snow-tyre features:
- Advanced Rubber Compounds for All Conditions
One of the standout features of snow-ready tyres is their specially developed rubber compound. Snow-ready tyres are designed to handle the cooler temperatures found in Australia. While also performing well in milder conditions. This unique compound helps balance flexibility and durability. So, you can enjoy a smooth, safe ride in various weather conditions.
- Tread Patterns Built for Versatility
Snow-ready tyres come equipped with hybrid tread patterns that offer the best of both:
- durability of all-season tyres
- grip of winter tyres
These tyres have deep grooves (also known as sipes) that help manage snow and slush, as well as broader tread blocks to maintain stability when driving on dry or wet roads.
Are you looking for the best tyres for snowy roads?
Shop Winter-ready Premium 4×4 Tyres at Wangara Tyre & Auto
Remember, your vehicle’s performance is closely tied to the quality of its tyres, so never underestimate their importance.
Wangara Tyre & Auto, we offer an extensive range of 4WD and 4×4 tyres from leading manufacturers, tailored to handle Australia’s winter conditions. Our 4×4 tyres can handle challenging terrains, offering better traction and stability on snowy roads.
So, drive safe through snowy terrains with quality tyres you can trust.
Call us at 0862 017 490
Happy winter driving, Australia!
