Snow driving can either be a fun experience or a nightmare. Check out the list below before you load up your family and pack. Before you head south to the skiing fields, make sure to follow these safety tips.
It may be worth purchasing an annual pass if you plan on visiting the snowfields more than once during the winter season. You can save time by using the designated lanes in Kosciusko National Park.
You need to know these 7 things before driving in the snow!
Snow driving can either be a fun experience or a nightmare. Check out the list below before you load up your family and pack. Before you head south to the skiing fields, make sure to follow these safety tips.
It may be worth purchasing an annual pass if you plan on visiting the snowfields more than once during the winter season. You can save time by using the designated lanes in Kosciusko National Park.
Before you depart, it is important to have your car inspected. Extreme cold can negatively affect a vehicle that is normally well-maintained.
1: Check the Windscreen
Look for small chips or cracks on your windscreen. In cold weather, any existing damage makes the glass more susceptible to cracking or chips. The glass becomes more fragile due to a low temperature, cold winds, frost and snow accumulation. Pack a plastic scraper to remove ice. You can easily remove the majority of snow and ice on your car’s windows.
Check your wipers and, if necessary, replace them. Clear visibility is crucial when driving. It can be frightening to have your windscreen covered in mud, salt and snow. Ineffective, old wiper blades can make the situation worse and lead to an accident.
2: Check Your Brakes And Tires
Check your brakes and tyres before you head out on the Hume Highway. You will be able to stop your car many times and avoid any serious problems. Check that your tyres have enough tread and the wear indicators are not flush. Check your tyres to see if they have uneven wear. You may need to have your wheels aligned if you notice this.
If you have to brake quickly, it’s best to check your brake pads and top up the fluid if necessary. Check your brake pads and add brake fluid as needed. Driving on snow or ice can dramatically affect the distance needed to stop your car.
3: Check anti-freeze
In Australia, the majority of cars use coolants that can withstand a range of temperatures. Anti-freeze comes in many different types. You should check with us if you need a specific coolant mix for your vehicle.
Both concentrated and ready-mixed brands are available. The ready-mixed versions are often referred to by the term engine coolant. These can be used immediately in your car for topping up and replacing. You must dilute the concentrated anti-freeze with water before using it. Most of the time, it’s 50/50. This can differ between vehicle models and makes. Always follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
Anti-freeze is essential for your cooling system if you are driving in the snow, as it lowers the freezing point of water. The cooling system will be less likely to freeze. It’s vital to match the anti-freeze capacity to your vehicle’s cooling system when adding it to the radiator.
It’s a great idea to also add antifreeze to your windscreen washer. The water in the system and the lines will not freeze. The water will not freeze on the windscreen if you use the washer when driving.
You need to know these 7 things before driving in the snow!
Snow driving can either be a fun experience or a nightmare. Check out the list below before you load up your family and pack. Before you head south to the skiing fields, make sure to follow these safety tips.
It may be worth purchasing an annual pass if you plan on visiting the snowfields more than once during the winter season. You can save time by using the designated lanes in Kosciusko National Park.
Before you depart, it is important to have your car inspected. Extreme cold can negatively affect a vehicle that is normally well-maintained.
Look for small chips or cracks on your windscreen. In cold weather, any existing damage can make the glass more susceptible to cracking or chips. The glass becomes more fragile due to a low temperature, cold winds, snow, and ice accumulation. Pack a plastic scraper to remove ice. You can easily remove the majority of snow and ice on your car’s windows.
Check your wipers and, if necessary, replace them. Clear visibility is crucial when driving. It can be frightening to have your windscreen covered in mud, salt and snow. Ineffective, old wiper blades can make the situation worse and lead to an accident.
Check your brakes and tyres before you head out on the Hume Highway. You will be able to stop your car many times and avoid any serious problems. Check that your tyres have plenty of tread and the wear indicators are not flush. Check your tyres to see if they have uneven wear. You may need to have your wheels aligned if you notice this.
If you have to brake quickly, it’s best to check your brake pads and top up the fluid if necessary. Check your brake pads and add brake fluid as needed. Driving on snow or ice can dramatically affect the distance needed to stop your car.
In Australia, the majority of cars use coolants that can withstand a range of temperatures. Anti-freeze comes in many different types. You should check with us if you need a specific coolant mix for your vehicle.
Both concentrated and ready-mixed brands are available. The ready-mixed versions are often referred to by the term engine coolant. These can be used immediately in your car for topping up and replacing. You must dilute the concentrated anti-freeze with water if you buy it in its concentrated form. Most of the time, it’s 50/50. This can differ between vehicle models and makes. Always follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
Anti-freeze is essential for your cooling system if you are driving in the snow, as it lowers the freezing point of water. The cooling system will be less likely to freeze. It’s vital to match the anti-freeze capacity to your vehicle’s cooling system when adding it to the radiator.
It’s a great idea to also add antifreeze to your windscreen washer. The water in the system and the lines will not freeze. The water will not freeze on the windscreen if you use the washer when driving.
4: Check The Battery And Alternator
The damage is already done. Our hot Aussie summer wreaks havoc on our car battery. The engine compartment will be hotter than normal, which can accelerate the corrosion of the internal plates. This in turn vaporizes the internal electrolytes quicker, resulting in a battery with a decreased capacity. All those technical words are just a way to say that your car’s battery may be weaker.
Your vehicle may have a harder time starting now that you are in a colder environment. Your vehicle’s engine needs more power when it is cold. Your battery will have to work harder as the temperature drops. The thicker the engine oil becomes, the colder the weather gets. The more oil you have, the more difficult it is to turn your engine. You get the idea.
Modern fuel and electrical systems can disguise a weaker battery by starting the engine with minimal cranking. The extra workload required to start the engine cold, combined with summer damage can be too much. This happens without warning. Many batteries retire their batteries during the winter.
Your battery will have a difficult job to do when you are driving in the snow. Have your vehicle’s electrical system, including the battery and alternator, tested before you leave. Don’t wait on the side a chilly and icy road for roadside help.
5: Check HVAC system
When we are in the snow, nothing beats sitting by a warm fire. We wish our car’s heating system were as easy to use. Well, it’s not. Our car’s HVAC system is completely independent from our home unit.
It is important that the heater works properly, as it keeps everyone warm and comfortable if you get stuck in traffic. It is important that the air conditioner works properly to de-mist and reduce condensation on the windscreen. Your visibility will be reduced in a challenging environment without a frost-free windscreen.
It takes a variety of parts to keep us mobile, safe and comfortable. Check hoses, belts and other components regularly for signs of excessive wear and deterioration. Remember, we’ve already talked about the importance of checking anti-freeze.
6: Carry Snow Chains
It doesn’t matter if you call them tyre or wheel chains, snow chains, or wheel chains. You just need to have a set. You will be fined for driving without chains through Kosciusko National Park.
Chains can be hired on the snow fields. It is important to practice fitting your chains well before you need them. Pull into a chain fitting bay. The areas are clearly marked and there is plenty of room. Each bay has a flat surface that makes it easier to attach the snow chains.
You must also follow the instructions of resort or police staff about when to install chains on your vehicle. If you fail to install chains where necessary, your vehicle could be fined and even forced to remain parked.
7: Always Carry An Emergency Pack
When driving in the snow, you must always have an emergency kit (or survival kit as it is called by some) in your boot. All emergency packs must include a few essential items. The first items to pack should be fresh water, snacks that are sealed and a first aid kit.
You can create a much more affordable emergency kit by using everyday items from the supermarket or Bunnings. Safety is something that can’t be priced, but those emergency packs are expensive.
Others have so much gear that they could easily live in their vehicle for several months. AAMI Insurance’s blog has a helpful article that can help you determine what gear you need.
As soon as you reach the snow, top off your fuel tank and begin the climb. If there are any delays caused by bad weather you will need to run your heater while in traffic. Enjoy the skiing and have fun.
