Some quick winter driving tips

Among all the seasons, winters requires the utmost care and preparation during driving if you want to stay safe and avoid any kind of road breakdown. We see more breakdown at this season, the number of breakdowns usually got doubled therefore the patrols on the calls get doubled during winter season. The snow and ice strikes make the road conditions really challenging for a drive.

Here are some of the general tips for safe and secured driving in the cold, while having the dark months ahead. 

• Battery and electrics – The heaters, lights and wipers put a really high demand on the car battery. If your driving trips consist of the dark rush-hour trips , then your battery will give out eventually. 

 

• Batteries do not last more than five years, you can replace the battery at the end of its life in order to save time and avoid inconvenience at the side of the road. It's better to avoid running electrical systems in the car than necessary, the best thing is for slower down the heater fan and switch the heater’s rear window off when the windows are clear. 

 

• If the car has left idle most of the weekend, then a regular overnight trickle is best for giving the battery a chance to revive. Before starting the engine, always turn off the non-essential electrical loads such as lights and screen heaters. 

 

• The use of the starter has to be in short five second bursts if the engine is unable to start quickly, let the battery recover for about 30 seconds and then attempts again.

 

• Always keep the windscreen and the other windows clear, it will cause you a hefty fine if your vision is obscured through dirt or snow. Avoid using sticker infested car window as well. Accumulation of clear snow from the roof can be fall off on the windscreen which can block your view. It can be dangerous to the other road users as well. 

 

• Assure that the windscreen is clear from both inside and the outside as well, in order to improve the vision. The chips, scratches and abrasion on the outer side of the windscreen can also cause the dazzling effect of the sun.

 

• Always use air conditioning to reduce the condensation on the cold windows and faster demisting as well. During winters, check if the windscreen wipers are working and replace if required. 

 

• Use a windscreen washer fluid which will be a suitable additive to reduce the chance of freezing, the ordinary engine anti freezer can damage the paintwork so try to avoid using it on the windscreen.

 

• Always wear comfortable and dry shoes while driving because the snow covered shoes or the wet shoes will slip on the pedals. 

 

• To avoid the wheel-spin, try to pull away in second gear while easing your foot off the clutch.

If you got stuck anywhere then first straighten the steering and whip the snow from the wheels. To give some grip to the tyres, put a sack rug in front of the driving wheels and try not to stop until you reach a firmer ground. All these skills and precautionary measures are taught in the best driving school in Sydney to assure the safety of the driver on the road.